UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT   LOS  ANGELES 


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THE    FISHERMEN'S 


^euwml  mu\  %mxA  §00^, 


GEORGE    H.    PROCTER, 


OORTAIKnfO 


A  LIST  OF  VESSELS  AND  THEIR  CREWS,  LOST  FROM 

THE  PORT  OF  GLOUCESTER   FROM  THE  YEAR 

1830  TO  OCTOBER  1,  1873, 


EMBKACIIfO 


A   PERIOD   OF  NEARLY  HALF   A    CENTURY; 


COMPRISIHO 

FOURTEEN    HUNDRED    AND    THTRTY-SEYEN    NAMES,    AND    TWO    HUNDRED 

AND  NINETY-SIX   VESSELS.    INCLUDING   THOSE   LOST  IN   THE 

OALB   OP  AUGUST   24,    1873. 

IT    AIJK>    COKTAIKS 

VALUABLE   STATISTICS   OK  TIIK   FISIUNO  BUSINESS,  OFF-HAND  SKETCHES, 

BIO  TRIPS.   TALES  OF  NARROW  ESCAPES,  MARITDCS   POETRY,   AND 

OTHER  MATTERS  OP  INTEREST  TO  THESE  TOILERS  OP  THE  SEA. 


GLOUCESTER : 
PROCTER   BROTHERS.   Rublishers,  ^ 

1878.  ^     \^''' 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  tie  year  1873,  by 

GEORGE    H.    PROCTER, 
In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


Procter  Brothers,  Printers,  Gloucetter,  Mats. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


sAoa 

I.  —  Prbpacb 1 

II.  —  Perils  attending  the  Fisheries 8 

III. — List  of  the  Names  of  Twelve  Hundred  and  Sixty-five  Men  and  Two 

Hundred  and  Eighty  Vessels  Lost  in  the  Fisheries  and  other  maritime 
branches,  from  tlie  Port  of  Gloucester,  from  the  year  1830  to  July  Ist, 
1878,  embracing  a  period  of  nearly  half  a  century ;  also,  the  Valuation 
of  the  Vessel  Property  and  Insurance  thereon 8 

IV.  —  Table  of  Rec-ipitulaUon 68 

V.  —  On  Georges  in  the  Terrible  Gale  of  February  24th,  1862.     The  ex- 

perience of  one  who  was  there  for  the  first  and  last  time         .        .        .64 
VL  —  The  Mackerel  Fishery — Giving  an  Account  of  ita  Commencement 

and  Progress,  with  Statistics  of  the  Catch  for  the  past  thirteen  years    .      60 

VII.  —  The  Haddock,  Pollock,  Cod  and  Halibut  Fisheries,  giving  an  Ac- 
count of  the  First  Trips  to  Georges  for  Codfish 65 

VIII.  —  The  Commerce  of  Gloucester  and  the  Fisheries      ....      68 

IX.  —  The  Winter  Fishery  of  1846  —  a  Comparison  between  Then  and  Now, 
showing  the  wonderful  Increase  of  this  Branch  of  the  Business    .        .      69 

X.  —  "  Uncle  Charlie's  "  Recollections  of  the  Old  Pinkey  and  Jigger  Fleets ; 

also,  of  the  Square  Stemers,  Half-Clipper  and  Clipper  Model  Fishing 
Vessels 71 

XI.  —  Account  of  the  First  Trips  to  Georges  after  Halibut  ....      77 

XII.  — Incidents  of  the  Gale  of  September  8th,  1869 79 

XIII.  —  Sea  Fish  and  Fisheries 81 

XTV.  —  Big  Trips  in  the  Bank,  Georges,  Mackerel  and  Haddock  Fisheries       82 

XV.  —  How  the  Pinkey  Charles  weathered  it 87 

XVI.  —  Loss  of  Two  Rockport  Vessels.      Thrilling   Narrative  of   Mr. 
Charles  Jordan,  sole  survivor  of  the  crew  of  Schooner  Helen  Eliza. 

His  Perilous  Position  and  Wonderful  Escape 88 

XVII.  —  Fishermen's  Superstitions.     Remarkable  Verifications  of  Dreams. 
Wonderful  Presentiment 92 

XVIII.  —  Greenland  and  Iceland  Halibut  Fisheries 96 

XIX.  —  Estimated  Products  of  the  Fisheries  for  the  year  1872.    Tonnage 
Statistics 97 


256?(i(> 


IV  CONTENTS. 

XX.  —  Remarkable  Escapes  of  Schooners  Onward  and  Seddie  C.  Pyle  on 
Georges  —  Loss  of  Schooners  A.R.Andrews,  and  Rescue  of  her  Crew — 
Lost  in  the  Fog  —  Rescued  from  the  Jaws  of  Death  —  Comprising  the 
Details  of  Narrow  Escapes  by  the  Fishermen 98 

XXI.  —  The  Pirate  Tacony's  Raid  upon  the  Fishermen        ....     105 

XXIL— A  Valuable  Branch  of  Industry 107 

XXIII.  —  Recapture  of  Schooner  E.  A.  Horton  from  the  Custody  of  the 

Dominion  Government  —  A  Daring  Act  by  a  Yankee  Skipper  and  his 

Crew 108 

.  115 

.  117 

.  119 

.  123 


XXIV.  —  The  Severe  Storm  of  1839    . 

XXV.  —  Fishermen's  children  Playing  on  the  Beach 

XXVI.  —  The  Cape  Ann  Fishermen  of  To-Day  . 

XXVII.  —  How  Harry  G.  came  to  Sign  the  Pledge 

XXVIII.  —  Picking  the  Nets  and  Trawls,  in  which  we  find  a  good  haul  of 
Sketches,  Incidents  and  Facts,  relative  to  the  Fisherman  and  his  Occu- 
pation      125 

XXIX.  —  Dashings  of  Spray  from  Wavelets  of  Maritime  Poetry  by  Home 
Authors 129 

XXX.  —  A  Musical  Fisherman  —  His  First  Violin  —  Early  Struggles  —  His 
Cruise  in  The  Rival — Shipwrecked  Yankee  Fishermen  Giving  Con- 
certs in  the  Provinces 149 

XXXI.  —  Loss  of  Schooner  Neptune's  Bride  —  Two  of  the  Crew  saved  — 
Eighteen  hours  on  the  Mast-Head  — A  Perilous  Passage        .        .        .     153 

XXXII.  —  Leaves  from  the  Log  Book  of  Captain  James  PattUlo  —  How  He 
served  a  Dominion  Officer  who  Boarded  the  Schooner  Abigail  —  Puts 
to  Sea  in  the  Teeth  of  a  Gale  and  outsails  the  Cutter  —  How  he  gets  a 
load  of  Herring  for  Schooner  Tiger  —  A  Fearful  Time  on  Georges  in 
Schooner  Alexander 156 

XXXIII. —  "  Here  comes  Father's  Vessel " 164 

XXXIV.  —  Appendix 166 

XXXV.  —  The  Terrible  Gale  of  Sunday,  August  24th,  1873.  List  of  the 
Lost  Men  and  Vessels 167 

XXXVI.  —  Sum  Total  of  Losses  for  the  past  Forty-three  Years  .        .        .     172 


PREFACE. 


For  some  time  past  it  has  been  my  desire  to 
prepare  a  Memorial  Volume,  which  would  con- 
tain, among  otiicr  matters  of  interest  to  the 
fishermen,  as  well  as  to  the  large  number  of 
vessel  owners  and  fitters,  a  record  which  should 
be  as  complete  as  could  possibly  be  gathered, 
of  that  vast  number  who  have  been  lost  from 
the  port  of  Gloucester,  while  toiling  on  the  fish- 
ing-grounds, in  the  arduous  avocation  of  wrest- 
ing from  old  ocean  her  finny  treasures. 

Here  in  this  volume  are  the  names  of  these  men  recorded,  and  here 
will  their  memories  be  perpetuated  among  their  shipmates  and  rela- 
tives, and  handed  down  to  those  who  in  the  years  to  come  shall  sail 
the  vessels,  haul  the  lines  and  nets,  in  the  prosecution  of  a  business 
which  has  given  to  Gloucester  a  goodly  portion  of  her  wealth,  and 
placed  her  in  the  position  of  the  largest  fishing  port  in  the  world. 

To  the  fishermen,  the  workers  —  those  who  have  fought  the  elements 
at  inclement  seasons  —  much  of  this  prosperity  is  due,  and  it  has  been 
my  aim  to  render  the  volume  of  special  interest  to  them  and  theirs. 
To  those  who  have  been  so  kind  in  furnishing  information  and  in- 
cidents during  the  canvassing  of  the  past  six  months,  and  who  by 
their  words  of  appreciation  of  the  work  have  so  efficiently  aided 
its  progress,  I  return  my  warmest  thanks,  as  williout  their  hearty 
co-operalion  its  pages  would  not  contain  such  a  large  array  of  facts 
and  incidents.  Those  who  have  ever  undertaken  anything  of  a  sim- 
ilar nature,  requiring  such  persistent  labor,  know  full  well  how  much 
their  success  depends  upon  this  "  interviewing"  process,  which  is, 
when  courteously  conducted,  the  surest  means  of  obtaining  informa- 
tion. 

Most  especially  would  I  return  thanks  to  John  S.  E.  Rogers, 
of  the  Gloucester  Telegraphy  and  to  John  W.  Wonson,  for  their 
courtesy  in  furnishing  the  means  of  obtaining  information  relative 
to  some  of  the  crew  lists  of  vessels  lost  previous  to  1850.  I  am 
also  under  obligations  to  John  L.  Shouey,  Esq^,  editor  of  the  Nur- 


n  PREFACE. 

sery,  Boston,  for  facilities  in  obtaining  some  of  tlie  fine  engravings 
which  adorn  the  volume. 

And  now,  sending  this,  my  first-born  literary  venture  in  book  form 
into  the  world,  I  have  in  my  heart  a  hope  that  the  fishermen  and 
their  families  may  find  it  of  sufficient  interest  to  insure  for  this 
Memorial  and  Record  Book  a  welcome  place  on  the  home  book- 
shelf, or  a  snug  position  among  the  reading  matter  on  board  the 
vessel. 

GEORGE  H.  PROCTER. 


Perils  Attending  the  Fisheries. 

There  is  scarcely  a  branch  of  business  in  the  known  world  which 
is  pursued  with  such  a  fearful  loss  of  life  and  property  as  that  which 
attends  the  fisheries.  To  watch  the  pretty  crafts  when  they  sail  away 
on  their  summer  cruises  for  mackerel,  gives  one  an  idea  that  such  an 
avocation  is  replete  with  enjoyment.  These  trips  are  in  reality  very 
pleasant,  affording  considerable  excitement,  much  jollity,  and  agree- 
able labor,  which  yield  good  returns ;  this  may  well  be  called  the 
sunny  side  of  the  picture,  for  such  it  really  is,  although  during  the 
latter  portion  of  them,  in  the  autumn  months,  rough  weather  is  often 
encountered  with  its  accompanying  dangers. 

.  When,  however,  winter  comes,  and  the  necessities  of  the  fisher- 
men, many  of  whom  have  large  families,  render  it  imperative  that 
they  must  follow  winter  fishing  on  Georges  or  to  the  Banks,  then  is 
presented  a  far  different  aspect.  The  summer  with  its  balmy  breezes, 
pleasant  weather,  clear  skies  and  placid  waters,  gives  place  to  the 
keen  blasts,  piercing  cold,  boisterous  winds,  murky  sky  and  raging 
waters.    Then  the  thick  driving  snow-storm,  the  terrible  gales  with 


4  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

all  their  accompaniments  of  disaster  and  discomfort,  requiring  the 
steady  hand  at  the  wheel,  the  firm  purpose  to  meet  and  overcome 
obstacles,  the  determination  on  the  part  of  these  bread-winners  to 
meet  the  perils  which  encompass  their  pathway  over  the  trackless 
waters,  to  ride  out  the  storm,  if  possible,  or,  under  canvas,  to  keep 
their  little  craft  safely  afloat,  until  the  danger  is  past  and  they  can 
once  more  resume  fishing.  Danger  lurks  in  the  track  of  the  fisher- 
men during  the  inclement  season,  and  they  literally  take  their  lives 
in  their  hands  when  they  sail  away  on  their  winter  l^rips. 

Since  the  introduction  of  trawl  fishing,  some  twelve  years  since, 
another  peril  has  been  added  to  the  fisheries,  viz. :  that  of  being  lost 
from  the  dories  while  visiting  trawls,  or  estrayed  during  the  fog 
which  oftentimes  shuts  in  on  the  fishing  grounds,  enveloping  them 
like  a  pall.  Then  the  dorymen  find  it  extremely  difficult  to  discover 
their  vessel.  A  fresh  breeze  springing  up  renders  the  situation  still 
more  dangerous,  and  notwithstanding  the  efforts  made  on  board,  by 
the  firing  of  guns,  blowing  of  horns,  ringing  of  bells,  and  the  con- 
tinued cruising  about  in  search  of  the  missing  men,  the  fact  of  not 
being  enabled  to  find  them,  and  being  obliged  to  give  up  the  search 
and  return  home,  is  too  often  the  case.  There  are  chances  of  being 
picked  up  by  some  other  vessels  of  the  fleet,  or  by  some  merchant- 
man ;  and  there  are  instances  on  record  where  these  trawlers,  after 
having  given  up  all  hope  of  finding  their  vessel,  with  a  perseverance 
which  is  characteristic  of  the  fishermen,  have  been  fortunate  in  shap- 
ing their  course  for  land,  and  succeeded,  after  a  wearisome  row  of 
two  or  three  hundred  miles,  exposed  to  constant  dangers,  and  suffer- 
ing for  food,  in  reaching  the  shore  in  safety.  Such  instances,  how- 
ever, are  rare.  The  majority  of  those  who  thus  get  estra^^ed  from 
their  vessel,  pay  the  penalty  with  their  lives  ;  and  it  does  not  require 
a  very  vivid  imagination  to  portray  the  sufferings  these  men  must 
endure,  adrift  as  they  are  in  a  dory,  on  the  vast  expanse  of  water, 
with  death  by  starvation,  or  to  be  swallowed  up  by  the  waves,  con- 
stantly staring  them  in  the  face,  eacli  hour  rendering  their  hope  of 
escape  less  encouraging,  adding  to  their  discomforts  and  decreasing 
their  powers  of  endurance.  Many  a  bold-hearted  fisherman,  with 
the  love  of  life  strong  within  him,  with  youth  and  hope  and  bright 
prospects,  ere  he  left  his  vessel  in  those  fog-benighted  regions,  has 
had  all  these  hopes  and  aspirations  suddenly  quenched,  upon  finding 
himself  either  alone,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  but  most  generally 
with  one  companion,  adrift  on  the  Banks,  and  nearly  exhausted  in 
their  efforts  to  find  the  vessel,  which  to  them  is  the  ark  of  safety. 


FISHERMEN'S    MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK.  5 

To  lessen  these  dangers,  each  dory  should  be  provided  with  sufficient 
food  and  water  to  sustain  life  for  several  days  ;  but  the  chances  even 
then  are  against  the  fishermen,  and  every  year  adds  to  the  list  of 
those  lost  while  engaged  in  setting  or  picking  their  trawls. 

Th<5  losses  while  engaged  in  trawl  fishing  as  well  as  the  cases  of 
drowning  from  the  vessels,  are  among  the  saddest  incidents  connected 
with  the  business,  and  the  coming  into  the-  harbor  of  a  vessel  with 
her  flag  floating  at  half-mast,  is  an  occasion  of  mournful  interest. 
James  Davis,  Es<^.,  has  expressed  the  feeling  awakened  by  such 
occurrences  in  the  following  beautiful  poem,  which  was  originally 
published  in  the  coluitins  of  the  Capo  Ann  Advertiser^  and  which  wo 
deem  exceedingly  appropriate  to  introduce  into  this  chapter :  — 


HALF-MAST  HIGH. 


Holf-moBt  high  Uie  signal  floats  I 

She's  coming  in  fK>in  sea, 
Some  sailor  of  her  crew  is  gone, 

"Who  may  the  lost  one  be? 
The  landsmen  gaze  as  ehe  draws  nigh, 
"With  trembling,  sad  concern, 
Tho  vessel's  name  to  learn, 
That  comes  with  colors  half-mast  high. 

Half-mast  high  tho  signal  floats ! 

Who  shall  the  mourners  be, 
That  soon  must  weep  sad  tears  for  him 

They  never  more  shall  see? 
Ah  I  many  may  heave  the  onxioua  sigh, 
For  fear  that  it  may  prove 
To  bo  tho  one  they  love, 
For  whom  Uio  flag  floats  half-mast  high. 


Half-mast  high  tho  signal  floats! 

Ohl  can  It  bo 'Us  he? 
It  speaks  relief  to  other  hearts, 

But  is  a  knell  to  mo. 
Tho  word  that  names  him  who  doth  lie 
Low  in  his  watery  nm. 
And  never  shall  return; 
For  mine  tho  flag  floats  half-mast  high. 

Half-mast  high  the  signal  floats  I 

Thus  honored  let  them  be, 
"Who  perish  thus  that  we  may  llvo 

On  treasures  of  tho  sea. 
For  them,  tho  hardy  brave  who  die, 
And  find  no  other  grave 
But  tho  deep  ocean  wave. 
We'll  raise  the  colors  half-mast  high. 


If  the  bair-breadth  escapes  which  every  Georgesman  or  Banker 
has  met  with  at  one  time  or  another  could  be  gathered  fioni  the  lips 
of  those  who  encountered  them  and  saw  death  so  very  near,  —  scarcely 
a  hope  of  escape,  —  what  a  volume  it  would  make,  and  how  its  perusal 
would  thrill  the  heart  of  the  reader !  We  could  hardly  believe  these 
tales  which  the  fishermen  relate,  unless  they  were  authenticated  by 
the  most  truthful  circumstances,  and  the  facts  corroborated  b}'  their 
companions  who  were  equally  exposed  to  the  threatening  dangers,  and 
with  their  shipmates  stood  face  to  face  with  death.  Such  tales  are 
replete  with  the  most  thrilling  incidents,  and  in  other  chapters  of 
this  book  we  publish  several  such,  almost  verbatim,  as  received  from 
the  persons  who  passed  through  the  dangers  and  returned  to  port, 
scarcely  knowing  how  they  escaped,  except  as  some  of  them  solemnly 


e 


fisheemen's  memoeial  and  record  book. 


affirmed,  the  good  God  lent  his  powerful  aid  in  the  midst  of  their 
dire  extremity,  and  held  them  in  the  hollow  of  his  mighty  hand. 

Notwithstanding  the  large  number  or  men,  from  this  town,  who 
served  in  the  army  and  navy  during  the  rebellion,  the  loss  of  life  from 
the  casualties  of  war  was  far  less  than  the  losses  at  sea  for  the  same 
period  of  time.  There  were  two  hundred  and  eighty-two  lives  lost 
in  the  fishing  business  from  this  port  during  the  four  j'ears  of  the  war, 
while  the  record  of  those  who  have  been  killed,  or  died  in  the  service, 
is  less  than  half  that  number.  It  thus  appears  that  our  town  suffered 
more  from  the  perils  of  the  ocean  than  the  ravages  of  war  —  a  fact 
which  would  hardly  be  credited,  did  not  the  statistics  prove  it. 

Ay,  these  perils  attending  the  fisheries  !  These  it  is  which  cause 
the  heart  of  the  young  maiden  or  wife  to  quake  with  fear  every  time 
her  lover  or  husband  leaves  port ;  these  it  is  which  disturb  the  slum- 
bers of  wife,  sweetheart,  mother  and  sister,  which  haunts  them  when 
they  piess  their  pillows  at  night,  causing  those  fearful  dreams  of 
storm,  shipwreck  and  disaster,  which  seem  so  much  like  reality  that 
the  dreamers  start  in  their  slumbers,  feeling  that  awful  dread  which 
accompanies  suspense,  and  which  is  so  extremely  difficult  to  banish 
from  the  mind,  even  when  one  is  convinced  that  these  phantoms  arc 
merely  the  illusions  of  a  dream. 

The  wearisome  and  anxious  watching  for  the  return  of  the  vessel 
which  never  again  comes  back  to  port !  That  "  looking  out  over  the 
sea,"  with  longing  eyes,  which  is  so  often  done  by  those  having 
friends  absent  on  the  water,  and  which  has  been  so  well  described  by 
H.  C.  L.  Haskell  in  one  of  his  poems,  which  was  also  published  in 
the  Advertiser,  and  so  appropriate,  that  we  take  the  liberty  to  trans- 
fer it :  — 

LOOKINa  OUT  OVER  THE  SEA. 


HERE. 

Looking  out  over  the  sea, 

From  a  grauitc  rim  of  shore, 
Looking  out  longingly,  -wearily, 
Over  a  turbulent,  pitiless  sea, 
For  the  sails  that  come  no  more ; 
Waiting  and  watching  with  tear-wet  eyes, 
Till  the  last  faint  hope  in  the  bosom  dies; 
While  the  waves  crawl  up  o'er  the  chill,  wliite 

sand, 
Those  watchers  long  for  a  clasping  hand, 
And  turn  away  with  a  thrill  of  pain. 
But  often  pause  to  look  again 
From  the  rough,  dark  rocks  of  the  sea-heat 

shore, 
For  the  gleam  of  snowy  sails  once  more. 
Sadly,  longingly,  wearily, 
Looking  out  over  the  eea. 


THERE. 
Looking  out  over  the  sea. 

From  the  beautiful,  golden  strand, 
Looking  out  gladly,  rejoicingly. 
Over  the  waves  of  a  tranquil  sea, 
From  the  shores  of  a  summer  land; 
Waiting  for  comings  that  once  shall  be. 
And  then  each  voyager  from  earth  set  free, 
Free  from  sorrow  and  care  and  pain. 
Shall  leave  the  Haven  never  again. 
There  they  are  watching  whose  spirits  fled 
And  journeyed  on  to  the  Port  ahead ; 
Happily,  gladly,  rejoicingly. 
Looking  out  over  the  sea. 


fisheumen's  memorial  and  re(X)Rd  book.  7 

These  periU  have  made  of  Georges  a  vast  burial  ground,  where 
the  bones  of  the  flshermen  are  moved  with  the  changing  tide,  or  lie 
buried  far  beneath  the  sands  of  her  treacherous  bhoals.  A  vast  sep- 
ulchre, swallowing  up  many  a  young  man  in  the  pride  of  his  youth, 
many  a  middle-aged  toiler  upon  whoso  earnings  a  loving  family  were 
dependent,  and  many  an  aged  one  whose  voyage  of  life,  at  best, 
would  not  have  continued  but  a  few  years  longer.  What  a  throng 
have  thus  heard  the  summons,  and  amid  the  shriek  of  the  gale,  the 
crashing  of  timbers,  met  the  "  boatman  pale,|'  and  been  transferred 
from  the  storms  of  mortal  life  safely  into  the  calm  and  peacefulness 
of  the  immortal !  The  fearful  record  which  follows  this  chapter  tells 
its  own  storj'  of  woe  and  bereavement,  and  is  published  in  this  vol- 
ume as  a  memorial  of  the  brave  men  who  thus  went  out  from  among 
us,  and  over  whose  resting-places  no  monumental  stone  can  ever  be 
placed  as  a  tribute  to  their  many  virtues. 

As  their  former  comrades  read  the  names  of  these  lost  fishermen, 
many  pleasant  recollections  of  the  old  days,  when  they  s^led  with 
them  in  some  of  the  crafts,  will  be  revived,  and  we  doubt  not  that 
these  recollections  will  cause  the  tears  to  course  down  many  a 
weather-beaten  face,  as  he  softly  repeats  a  prayer  for  peace  to  the 
souls  of  those  who  have  thus  entered  the  beyond. 


fisheemen's  memorial  and  kecoud  book. 


List  of  the  Names  of  Twelve  Hundred  and  Fifty-two  Men  and 
Two  Hundred  and  Eighty-one   Vessels  Lost  in  the  Fish- 
eries and  other  Maritime  Branches,  from  the  Port  of 
Gloucester,  from  the  Tear  1830,  to  July  1st,  1873, 
Em>bracin{jf  a  Period  of  Nearly  Half  a  Century. 
Also,  the    Valuation  of  the   Vessel   Prop- 
erty, and  Insurance  thereon* 


The  following  list  of  lives  and  vessels  Ic^st  from  this  port  com- 
mences with  the  year  1830,  that  being  the  period  which  marked  the 
commencement  of  the  Georges  winter  fishery,  in  the  pursuit  of  which 
the  great  proportion  of  the  losses  have  occurred.  It  has  been  found 
impossible  to  obtain  the  name  of  ever}''  one  of  these  lost  fishermen, 
as  it  has  sometimes  occurred  that  men  have  been  shipped  just  as  the 
vessel  was  about  sailing,  and  in  the  hurry  of  the  moment  their  names 
were  not  added  to  the  crew  list.  Consequently  the  reader  will 
occasionally  read  the  sad  word,  unknown.  We  have  used  every 
efibrt  within  our  power  to  obtain  the  names  of  the  unknown,  as  we 
wished,  if  possible,  to  have  the  record  complete  ;  but  were  compelled 
to  give  up  further  inquiry,  as  there  was  not  the  slightest  possibility 
of  gaining  the  required  information.  We  are  pleased  to  state  that 
in  these  latter  years  the  fishing  firms  are  much  more  particular  in 
obtaining  correct  crew  lists  of  their  vessels,  ere  they  sail  on  their 
trips,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  in  the  future  this  will  be  attended  to 
in  every  instance. 


FISnCRHEN'8  MEMOKIAL  AND  BEOORD  BOOK.  9 

1830. 

There  were  three  vessels  lost  from  the  fleet  this  year  in  tlio  mack- 
erel fishery,  with  seven  men. 

Schooner  OLIVE  was  lost  in  the  montti  of  August,  with  sevci: 
men,  as  follows :  Samuel  Dowle,  Master ;  Jnmcs  Millott,  Richard 
Dexter,  Stci)hcn  Adams,  William  Adams,  James  Tucker,  George 
Emmons.  Owned  by  Messrs.  Brown,  Woodbury  &,Co.  Valued  at 
$1,600,  and  insured. 

Schooner  HERALD  went  ashore  on  Eastern  Point,  October  20th, 
and  became  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  William  Parsons, 
Jr.,  and  others,  and  uninsured. 

Schooner  AMAZON,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  Chaleur.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Daniel  Gaffney.    Valued  at  $2,000 ;  insured  for  $1,500. 

1832. 
Schooner    FRIENDSHIP,  Capt.  Kenney,  lost  off  Cape  Sable. 
Crew  saved.    Owned  by  James  Mansfield  &  Sons. 

1833. 
Schooner  AMERICA,  wrecked  on  George's  Island,  Boston  Har- 
bor,  April  23d.    Crew  saved. 

1834. 

•  Schooner  ESSEX,  freighter,  Capt.  Underwood,  was  lost,  with  her 
crew  of  four  men,  on  the  passage  from  New  York  to  Port  Cabello. 
Valued  at  $1,500  ;  no  insurance. 

1836. 

Schooner  GOVERNOR  EUSTIS,lost  on  Rainsford  Island,  Boston 
Harbor,  Feb.  17th.     Crew  saved. 

1837. 

During  the  month  of  April  a  severe  gale  swept  over  Georges, 
where  the  fleet  were  engaged  in  fishing.  Three  of  their  number, 
with  their  crews,  comprising  about  twent3'-four  men,  sank  beneath 
the  billows.  This  was  the  first  serious  loss  on  Georges  of  which  we 
have  the  particulars,  and  those  who  remember  the,  event,  inform  us 
that  it  spread  a  deep  gloom  over  the  town,  and  tlje  widows  and  fa- 
therless children  had  the  heartfelt  sympathies  of  the  entire  com- 
munity.    These  vessels  were  as  follows : 

Schooner  FAIR  AMERICA,  John  Wonson,  Master,  and  six  oth- 


10  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

ers,  viz. :  Jabez  Wonson,  the   master's  brother,  William   Prindall, 

Andrews, Stapleton,  Trask, Andrews. 

She  was  owned  by  "William  Parkhurst,  and  valued  at  $1,600,  and  un- 
insured. 

Schooner  BENJAMIN  FRANKLIN,  Benjamin  P.  Norwood, 
Master,  and  six  others,  viz. :  William  Hinckley,  Abraham  Tarr,  Jr., 
William  S.  Lane,  Fitz  Norwood,  John  R.  Mitchell,  Meshach  Lane. 
Owned  by  Samuel  W.  Brown.    Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,300. 

Schooner  VESTA,  Josiah  H.  Fears,  Master,  and  crew  of  six  men, 
viz. :  George  Goodrich,  Edward  Prindall,  David  Butler,  William 
Mason,  Edward  Bell,  and  one  other  whose  name  we  could  not  learn. 
Valued  at  $2,000  ;  insured  for  $1,000. 

Schooner  RISING  EMPIRE,  Capt.  Lane,  was  run  down  and  sunk 
while  mackereling,  July  14th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Messrs. 
Daniel  and  Michael  Gaflfney.     Valued  at  $1,000  ;  uninsured. 

Schooner  ADRIAN,  lost  on  St.  John's  Island,  August  10th.  Crew 
saved.    Valued  at  $1,500. 

1838. 

There  "were  four  vessels  lost  this  year,  and  four  men,  as  follows  : 

Schooner  MARTHA,  a  new  vessel  coming  around  from  Essex, 
was  capsized  off  Brace's  Cove  in  a  violent  squall.  Adoniram  Boyd, 
her  owner,  and  Obed  Pulcifer,  with  two  others,  whose  names  we  could 
not  ascertain,  were  lost.     Valued  at  $2,000  ;  uninsured. 

Schooner  GENTILE,  Gorham  Riggs,  Master ;  lost  on  Margaree 
Island,  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  October  29th.  Crew  saved.  Valued 
at  $3,000  ;  insurance  of  $2,000.     Owned  by  the  master  and  others. 

Schooner  MONTICELLO,  Burnham,  Master ;  lost  in  the  mackerel 
fishery.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Richard  Friend  &  Sons.  Valued 
at  $1,500  ;  insured  for  $1,000. 

Schooner  MAID  OF  THE  MILL,  lost  off  the  coast  of  Maine. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Tristram  Griffin.  Valued  at  $600 ;  unin 
Bured. 

1839. 

Two  vessels  and  four  lives  were  lost  this  year,  as  follows  : 

fichooner  SEVO  was  run  down  in  the  night,  by  steamer  Huntress, 
off  Thacher's  Island,  and  sank  almost  immediately.  Capt.  Peletiah 
Barker,  Jr.,  of  Portland,  succeeded  in  climbing  on  board  the  steamer. 
Winthrop  Sargent,  a  lad  of  twelve  years,  crawled  out  to  the  end  of 
the  bowsprit,  and  as  the  vessel  was  going  down,  grasped  a  splitting 
table  which  floated  by,  and  by  his  cries  attracted  the  attention  of 
those  on  board  the  steamer,  who  rescued  him  with  much  difficulty. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  11 

The  steamer  pursued  her  course,  nnd  (be  sails  of  the  vessel  drifting 
ashore  near  Brace's  Cove,  it  was  thought  all  hands  were  lost.  On 
the  return  trip  of  the  steamer,  young  Sargent  was  brought  home, 
and  at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  was  landed  at  P^astern  Point,  and, 
lad  though  he  was,  commenced  his  lonely  journey  of  walking  to 
town.  He  reached  his  father's  house  at  about  four  o'clock,  and 
knowing  that  he  slept  in  a  bed-room  on  the  lower  floor,  tapped  on 
the  window.  His  father  immediately  awoke  and.  exclaimed,  "Who 
is  there?"  "It's  your  boy  Winthrop,"  was  the  reply.  Mr.  Sargent 
at  flrst  thought  it  must  be  the  ghost  of  the  lad,  as  he  had  given  him 
up  as  drowned ;  but  young  Winthrop  had  no  Idea  of  being  taken  for 
a  ghost,  and  soon  gave  evidence  that  he  was  aliVe  and  well,  which 
caused  great  rejoicing  in  the  family.  There  were  four  men  lost  in 
this  vessel,  viz. :  Richard  Triton,  Nathaniel  Remby,  Jonathan  Os- 
good, James  McDonald.  Owned  by  Messrs.  Ellery  &  Gaffney. 
Valued  at  $1,300  ;  insured  for  $1,150. 

Schooner  TRANSPORT,  Poole,  Master,  was  capsized  December 
28th.     Crew  saved.    Valued  at  $2,500  ;  insured  for  $2,000. 

1840. 

Two  vessels  and  six  lives  were  lost  this  year,  as  follows : 
Schooner  IDA,  was  lost  on  Georges  in  the  month  of  March.     Had 

six  men,  viz. :  Job  Rowe,  Master ;  Albert  Oakes,  Francis  Colbach, 

Samuel  Lloyd,  Joshua  Clark,  Andrew  Johnson.    Valued  at  $1,800; 

uninsured. 

Schooner  MARY  &  ELIZABETH,  Capt.  Friend;     lost  at  St. 

Peters,  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  October.     Crew  saved.    Valued  at 

$2,000  ;  insured  for  $1,400.  ^ 

1841. 

There  were  two  vessels  and  eight  lives  lost  this  year,  as  follows : 
Schooner  FOREST,  mackereling,  was  lost  on  Cape  Cod,  Oct. 
4Lh,  with  eight  men:  Stephen  Rich,  Master;  Robert  S.  Sawyer, 
Asa  L.  Collins,  Benjamin  Robinson,  Joseph  Gerring,  Francis  Wil- 
liams, John  Quincy  Adams,  Abraham  Ober.  Owned  by  the  master 
and  Messrs.  Giles  &  Wonson.     Valued  at  82,500,  and  uninsured. 

Boat  *JACK    DOWNING,    lost    at  Annisquam.      Cretv  saved. 
Owned  by  Daniel  Robinson.     Valued  at  $225  ;  insured  for  $150- 

1842. 
Three  vessels  were  lost  this  year,  viz. : 
Schooner  REINDEER,  mackereling,  lost  in  Newport  Harbor,  June 


12  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

13th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  James  Mansfield  &  Sons. .  Valued 
at  $1,000,  and  uninsured. 

Schooner  LIVELY,  shore  cod  fishery,  lost  on  Cape  Cod  in  May. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Joseph  Friend  &  Co.  Valued  at  $800 ; 
uninsured. 

Schooner  MILO,  lost  on  Isle  of  Shoals,  November  15th.  Crew 
saved.    Valued  at  $200  ;  insured  for  $150. 

1843. 

There  were  three  vessels  and  ten  lives  lost  this  year  in  the  mack- 
erel fishery,  as  follows : 

Schooner  BYRON,  George  "Watson,  Master ;  was  in  the  mackerel 
fishery,  and  was  lost  in  the  South  Channel  in  the  month  of  August. 
The  following  is  a  part  of  her  crew  list ;  Benjamin  Watson,  brother 
to  the  master ;  John  R.  Curtis,  Hosea  Nelson,  Aaron  Perkins,  Fred- 
erick Parsons,  Isaac  Fears,  Joseph  Fears,  Jr.,  Joseph  Stevens. 
Owned  by  Messrs.  Joseph  Friend  &  Co.  Valued  at  $3,500 ;  unin- 
sured. 

Schooner  HENRIETTA,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence  in  Sep- 
tember. Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Gaffuey  &  Davis.  Valued  at 
$1,000  ;  insured  for  $800. 

Schooner  BRANCH,  also  lost  in  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  Richard  Friend  &  Sons.  Valued  at  $1,500 ;  in- 
sured for  $1,200. 

1844. 

There  were  three  vessels  and  seven  lives  lost  this  year,  viz. : 

Schooner  CONFIDENCE,  lost  on  Georges  in  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary (the  28th,  it  is  supposed).  Had  seven  men  on  board,  as  fol- 
lows :  David  Parsons,  Master ;  Epes  Norwood,  Epes  Norwood,  Jr., 
Israel  M.  Wonson,  Samuel  Martin,  Jeffrey  Parsons,  Moses  Hodg- 
kins.  Owned  by  John  "Wonson,  East  Gloucester.  Valued  at  $1,500, 
and  uninsured. 

Schooner  ABIGAIL  &  ELIZA,  Charles  Sutton,  Master,  lost  in 
the  coasting  business  at  St.  Thomas.  Crew  saved.  Valued  at 
83,000  ;  insured  for  $1,500. 

Boat  FAWN,  lost  on  Rocky  Neck  in  December.  ♦ 

1845. 

There  were  four  vessels  and  seven  lives  lost  this  year,  as  follows : 

Schooner  PARIS,  lost  on  Georges  in  March,  with  eight  men. 

Hugh  Parkhurst,  Master ;  Fitz  E.  Oakes,  Moses  Parsons,  4th,  Sim- 


nSnERMEN'S    MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK.  18 

eon  Coflln,  James  Low,  Jacob  Knights,  Daniel  Davis,  John  Wonson, 
Jr.  Owned  by  the  master  and  William  Parkhurst  &  Bro.  Valued 
at  $1,G00  ;  insured  for  $800. 

Schooner  REFORM,  lost  on  Sandy  Hook,  May  15th.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Samuel  W.  Brown.    Valued  at  $900  ;  insured  for  $750. 

Schooner  ONLY  DAUGHTER,  was  run  down  and  sunk  off  Cape 
Canso,  July  18th.     Crew  saved. 

Schooner  EAGLE,  Levi  Robinson,  Master ;  lost  near  Wood  Island* 
November  7th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  George  N.  Davis.  Valued 
at  $1,000  ;  insured  for  $800. 

1846. 

There  were  three  vessels  and  fifteen  lives  lost  this  year,  as  follows ; 

Schooner  GENERAL  SCOTT,  lost  on  Georges  in  November. 
James  Bowdoin,  Master,  and  a  crew  of  seven  men :  Anthony  Wise, 
Noah  Quiner,  Seth  Foster,  John  Hawlcy,  Joseph  Gerring,  Benjamin 
Millett,  George  Millett.  Owned  by  David  Parkhurst.  Valued  at 
$2,400;  insured  for  $1,600. 

Schooner  CANTON,  lost  on  Georges  in  November.  Had  seven 
men,  as  follows :  James  Norwood,  Jr.,  Master ;  John  Saunders,  Jr., 
Elisha  Lufkin,  Samuel  Parsons,  Ephraim  Tibbetts,  Isaac  Poole, 
John  Woodbury.  Owned  by  Samuel  W.  Brown.  Valued  at  $1,500  ; 
insured  for  $1,200. 

Schooner  FRANCES  ELIZABETH,  lost  near  Sparling's  Point, 
Me.,  November  25th.  Crew  saved.  Valued  at  $1,000;  insured  for 
$800. 

1847. 

There  were  three  vessels  lost  this  year,  but  fortunately  no  lives. 

Schooner  DELEGATE,  Montgomery,  Master ;  sunk  on  Georges, 
April  29th.  Crew  saved  by  schooner  Talisman.  Owned  by  Epes 
Sayward  &  Co.    Valued  at  $1,500  ;  insured  for  $1,100. 

Schooner  RIO  GRANDE,  cod  fishing,  lost  on  Eastern  Point,  June 
11th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Addison  Gilbert,  George  Garland, 
and  others.     Valued  at  $3,500  ;  insured  for  $3,200. 

Schooner  BALANCE,  Francis  Bennett,  Master ;  in  the  freighting 
business,  lost  near  Cape  May,  January  23d.  Crew  saved.  Valued  at 
$1,200;  one-eighth  insured  for  $150.  Owned  by  the  master,  and 
others. 

1849. 

There  were  two  vessels  and  ten  lives  lost  this  year,  as  follows : 
Schooner  LEVI  WOODBURY,  lost  in  October,  near  Boon  Island. 


14  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Engaged  in  the  shore  mackerel  fishery.  Had  ten  men  on  board. 
"William  Fears,  Master ;  Josiah  Bradstreet,  Jr.,  John  J.  Parsons, 
Joseph  W.  Babson,  Augustus  Burnham,  Theodore  Andrews,  Benjamin 
H.  Glover,  Charles  Ward,  Thomas  Roberts,  Thomas  Lane.  Owned 
by  the  master  and  Robert  Fears.  Valued  at  $2,500;  insured  for 
$2,000. 

Schooner  ENCHANTRESS,  Enoch  Snow,  Master,  lost  on  Cape 
Sable,  June  4th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Joseph  O.  Procter.  Val- 
ued at  $1,000  ;  one  quarter  insured  for 


1850. 

This  proved  a  most  disastrous  year  to  the  Georges  fishery,  result- 
ing in  the  loss  of  four  vessels  and  thirty-nine  lives,  as  follows  : 

Schooner  WILLIAM  WALLACE,  lost  in  February,  with  eight 
men :  Stephen  Decatur  Griffin,  of  Annisquam,  Master ;  Daniel  Ad- 
ams, George  Brown,  3d,  Frederick  A.  Lewis,  William  Grant,  John 
Linedall,  William  Mansfield,  Thomas  Ingalls.  Owned  by  Fitz  E. 
Riggs  &  Bro.    Valued  at  $3,000  ;  insured  for  $2,600. 

Schooner  TUSCANY,  lost  in  March,  with  eight  men.  Charles  H. 
Pew,  Master ;  James  Shackleford,  John  J.  Barrett,  Rufus  Parsons, 
Aaron  JHodgkins,  Nathaniel  S.  Lufkin,  Benjamin  H.  Brown,  Jr., 
Spencer  T.  Jackson.  Owned  by  the  master  and  John  Pew.  Valued 
at  $3,500  ;  insured  for  $2,800. 

Schooner  WALTER  SCOTT,  lost  in  April,  with  eight  men.  Jas. 
Hibbert,  Master ;  Noah  Hibbert,  William  Dexter,  Israel  Dodge, 
William  A.  Gahan,  Thomas  Wilson,  Mark  Lewis,  Charles  Gahan. 
Owned  by  James  Hibbert  and  George  Parkhurst.  Valued  at  $3,000  ; 
insured  for  $2,400. 

Schooner  SPECIE,  lost  the  same  month,  with  seven  men.  Ben- 
jamin Tarr,  Master ;  Charles  Witham,  Jr.,  Charles  Lufkin,  Augus- 
tus Anderson,  Peter  Anderson,  Lewis  Rice,  Charles  Tarr.  Owned  by 
David  Parkhurst.    Valued  at  $3,000  ;  insured  for  $2,500. 

1851. 

Another  disastrous  year  to  the  Gloucester  fishing  fleet,  resulting  in 
the  loss  of  nine  vessels  and  thirty-two  lives,  all  in  the  mackerel  fish- 
ery, but  one,  and  she  was  on  Georges. 

Schooner  OCEAN  QUEEN  was  lost  on  Georges  the  27th  of  No- 
vember. There  were  eight  men  on  board,  as  follows  :  Josiah  Spinney, 
Master;  George  Horn,  George  Wolf,  Stephen  Snyder,  William  G. 
Nickerson,  Thomas  Henderson,  Edward  Armstrong,  Amos  Stuart. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  15 

Owned  by  George  Friend  &  Co.  Valued  at  $3,000;  insured  for 
$2,500. 

Schooner  FLIRT  sank  at  her  anchors  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence, 
during  the  terrible  gale  of  October  3d.  Had  fourteen  men  on  board. 
Aaron  Stubbs,  Master ;  Joseph  Chandler,  John  Stubbs,  Hugh  Ham- 
den,  Edward  Monsen,  William  Dauphney,  George  Fenley,  Stephen 
Nickerson,  William  Forbes,  Dean  W.  Woodbury,  James  Smith, 
John  Shaw,  and  two  others  whose  names  are  unknown.  Owned  by 
the  master  and  Samuel  Wonson  &  Sons.  Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured 
for  $3,500. 

Schooner  PRINCETON,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  Octo- 
ber. Had  ten  men,  viz. :  Thomas  Guard,  Master ;  Charles  Wonson, 
Jr.,  John  Gerring,  Jr.,  Peter  Shean,  William  W.  Shean,  Solomon 
Mehlman,  Ai*nold  Mason,  Warren  Pinkham,  John  Morrissey,  Wm. 
Duffey.  Owned  by  Benjamin  Parsons  &  Sous.  Valued  at  $3,000 ; 
insured  for  82,G00. 

Schooner  JUBILEE,  run  down  in  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  by  schoon- 
er Summit.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Daniel  B.  Hodgkins.  Valued 
at  $900  ;  insured  for  $800. 

Schooner  DANIEL  P.  KING,  Harty,  Master ;  lost  at  Cape  Breton, 
October  12th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Moses  Tarr.  Valued  at 
$3^00 ;  insured  for  $3,000. 

Schooner  REDWING,  lost  at  Chetticamp,  October  12th.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  James  Mansfield  &  Sons.  Valued  at  $1,400;  in- 
sured for  $1,200. 

Schooner  GARLAND,  James  Mclntire,  Master ;  lost  at  Malpec, 
in  October.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  the  master  and  Messrs.  Gar- 
land &  Cunningham,  of  Baltimore.  Valued  $4,000;  insured  for 
$8,500. 

Schooner  POWHATTEN,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in 
October.  Crew  saved.  Owned  at  Aunisquam.  Valued  at  $1,500; 
insured  for  $1,200. 

Schooner  ELEANOR,  lost  at  Malpec,  in  October.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Robert  Fears  and  others.  Valued  at  $4,000 ;  insured-  for 
$3,500. 

1852. 

This  proved  a  still  more  disastrous  year  for  the  fishing  business ; 
thirteen  vessels  and  thirty-two  lives  being  lost.  Five  of  these  ves- 
sels were  lost  on  Georges,  and  eight  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  as 
follows : 


16  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Schooner  GOLDEN  FLEECE,  lost  on  Georges,  in  March,  nine 
men  :  Sylvester  Rust,  Master ;  Samuel  Rust,  brother  of  the  master*; 
Edmund  Cook,  James  S.  Norwood,  Henry  Robinson,  Samuel  Jack- 
man,  George  Blaisdell,  Samuel  Atwood,  and  one  man  name  unknown. 
Owned  by  W.  H.  Steele  and  Daniel  Gaffney.  Valued  at  $4,000 ; 
insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  C.  E.  PARKHURST,  lost  on  Georges  in  March.  She 
had  a  crew  of  eight  men,  viz. :  John  B.  Turner,  Master ;  William 
Dexter,  Henry  Holley,  Philip  Pico,  John  King,  John  Colney,  Wil- 
liam Riddel,  John  Nelson.  Owned  by « Charles  Parkhurst.  Valued 
at  84,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  BENJAMIN  PARSONS,  lost  on  Georges  in  April. 
Seven  men,  as  follows :  William  Tibbcts,  Master ;  William  G. 
Palmer,  Charles  J.  Gilbert,  John  Guiro,  David  Aspee,  James  Mars, 
Dennis  Phenelon.  Owned  by  William  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co.  Valued 
at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  NAPOLEON,  lost  on  Georges  in  the  same  gale.  Had 
a  crew  of  eight  men,  viz. :  Addison  Parsons,  Master ;  William  Dun- 
more,  Benjamin  Rowe,  Edward  Everly,  Frank  McCloud,  Antone 
Cora,  John  Poland,  and  one  man  name  unknown.  Owned  by  Moses 
Tarr.     Valued  at  $1,600  ;  insured  for  $1,400. 

Schooner  HENRY  A.  HOLBROOK,  lost  on  Georges  in  Novem- 
ber. Crew  eight  in  number :  William  Remby,  Master ;  Obed  A. 
Andrews,  James  Reed,  Henry  Green,  John  McKinnon,  William 
Potton,  Osborne  S.  Lawrence,  William  Hayden.  Owned  by  George 
Friend  &  Co.     Valued  at  $2,600  ;  insured  for  $2,300. 

Schooner  CYRENA  S.  COLBY,  Colby,  Master ;  lost  at  Cascum- 
pec,  in  September.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Addison  Merchant  & 
Co.,  and  others.     Valued  at  $5,000  ;  insured  for  $4,700. 

Schooner  JOHN  GERARD,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  Oc- 
tober. Crew  saved.  Owned  by  John  F.  Wonson  &  Co.  Valued  at 
$4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  ATLANTA,  lost  at  Souris,  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  Octo- 
ber 15th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  George  Friend  &  Co.  Valued 
at  $3,400  ;  insured  for  $3,000. 

Schooner  OCEAN  STAR,  lost  at  Souris,  October  15th.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  George  Garland  and  Theodore  Parsons.  Valued 
at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  HANNIBAL,  lost  at  Souris,  October  15th.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  E.  &  Epes  W.  Merchant  &  Co.  Valued  at  $2,600 ;  in- 
sured for  $2,200. 


FlBHErWEK's  WEMOIJIAL  AKD  IIECORD  BOOK.  17 

Schooner  AUGUSTA  PARKE^R,  lost  at  Souris  in  the  same  gale. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Epea  W.  Mcrcliant,  and  others.  Valued  at 
$2,800  ;  insured  for  82,400. 

Schooner  RIO  DEL  NORTE,  lost  at  Souris,  October  15th.  Ci-ew 
saved.  Owned  by  Messrs.  Moses  Tarr  and  Andrew  Lcighton. 
Valued  at  $2,800  :  insured  for  82,400. 

Schooner  LEADER,  lost  at  Souris,  October  loth.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Messrs.  James  Mansfield  &  Sons.  Valued  at  $1,000  ;  in- 
sured for  8800. 

1853. 

Three  vessels  were  lost  this  year,  one  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence, 
and  two  in  the  shore  fishery,  as  follows  : 

Schooner  CHAMPION,  Webb,  Master;  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St. 
Lawrence,  in  October.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  James  Mansfield  & 
Sons  and  others.    V.alued  at  81,800  ;  insured  for  81,500. 

Schooner  OCEAN  NYMPH,  Capt.  Samuel  Elwell,  Jr.,  run  down 
by  ship  Sarah  Jane,  off  Cape  Cod,  May  2(1.  Crew  saved.  Owned 
by  master  and  others.    Valued  at  84,000  ;  insui'ed  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  MARY  A.  TAYLOR,  Benjamin  Taylor,  Master;  cod 
fishery,  lost  in  Chatham  Harbor,  April  19th.  Owned  by  Messrs. 
Grover  &  Steele.    Valued  at  $4,200  ;  insured  for  $3,800. 

1854. 

There  were  four  vessels  and  twenty-six  lives  lost  this  year.  Two 
vessels  and  twcut3'-one  lives  were  lost  on  Georges,  and  two  vessels 
in  the  trading  business,  viz. : 

Schooner  FLIGHT,  lost  on  Georges,  in  February.  She  had  a 
crew  of  twelve  men,  as  follows :  Elias  H.  "Willis,  Master ;  Mark 
Webber,  John  Littlefield,  Charles  Stearns,  Thomas  Frederickson, 
Frank  McKenney,  Thomas  Furguson,  Richard  McCrate,  and  four 
men,  names  unknown.  Owned  by  E.  W.  Merchant,  and  others. 
Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  LUCY  PULCIFER,  lost  on  Georges,  in  March,  with 
nine  men,  viz. :  Peter  McDonald,  Master ;  Ronald  McDonald,  John 
May,  John  Myers,  Spencer  A.  Tyron,  George  Mclntire,  George 
Brooks,  Charles  Hardisou,  Thomas  Murph3\  Owned  by  David 
Parkhurst,  and  others.     Valued  at  83,600  ;  insured  for  $3,150. 

Schooner  GOLD  HUNTER,  in  the  coasting  trade,  sailed  for  Vir- 
ginia on  the  niglit  of  February  17th,  and  was  never  afterward  heard 
from.    She  had  a  crew  of  five  men,  viz. :  Timothy  Mclntire,  Mas- 


18  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

ter ;  Murdoch  McLane,  Mate ;  Sylvester  LeBarron,  Samuel  Miller, 
Charles  H.  Rowe.  Owned  by  the  master  and  others.  Valued  at 
S4,500  ;  insured  for  $4,000. 

Schooner  SUSAN,  in  the  coasting  trade,  lost  December  1st,  near 
Old  House  Cove,  in  this  harbor.  Crew  saved.  Owned  b}'  Moses 
Tarr.     Valued  at  $2,500  ;  insured  for  $2,000. 

1855. 

Seven  vessels  and  twenty-one  lives  were  lost  this  year,  viz. :  Two 
vessels  and  sixteen  lives  on  Georges ;  two  vessels  and  five  lives  in 
the  coasting  trade ;  one  schooner  in  Bay  mackerel  fishing,  and  two 
in  the  shore  fishery,  as  follows  : 

Schooner  REPORTER,  lost  on  Georges,  in  March.  She  had  a 
crew  of  eight  men,  viz. :  John  Bearse,  Maister ;  Samuel  Bearse,  Ed- 
ward Stuart,  Josepli  Sexton,  James  Rich,  Nicholas  Gifford,  Charles 
"Wooden,  Micliael  Clary.  Owned  by  Joseph  O.  Procter,  and  others. 
Valued  at  $4,500  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  ABNER  L.  COLBY,  lost  on  Georges,  in  March,  eight 
mien :  James  Brown,  Master ;  John  J.  Hutt,  Was.  McCaleb,  John 
Pyne,  James  Sullivan,  James  Marr,  James  Flarhety,  John  Powers. 
Owned  by  Addison  Merchant  &  Co.  Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for 
$3,500. 

Schooner  BESSIE  NEAL,  in  the  trading  business,  lost  on  the  pas- 
sage from  Prince  Edward's  Island  to  this  port.  Had  a  crew  of  five 
men,  viz. :  Joseph  Herrick,  Jr.,  Master;  John  McDonald,  Mate; 
Duncan  Hay,  Isaac  Hyde,  James  Roderick.  Owned  by  C.  E.  &  E. 
Grover,  and  others.     Valued  at  $5,000  ;  insured  for  $3,000. 

Schooner  MARY  JONES,  Friend,  Master ;  mackereling,  lost  on 
Prince  Edward's  Island,  in  September.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by 
Geoi-ge  Friend,  Jr.,  and  others.  Valued  at  $2,500 ;  insured  for 
$2,200. 

Schooner  SOMERVILLE,  George  Adams,  Master;  bound  for 
Wilmington,  N.  C,  sunk  July  18th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Da- 
vid Babson,  and  others,  and  insured. 

Schooner  PHILANTHROPIST,  Tristram  Griffin,  Master;  lost 
at  mouth  of  Annisquam  Harbor,  December  24th.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  master.     Valued  at  $1,500  ;  insured  for  $1,200. 

Schooner  VAN,  lost  on  Folly  Island,  Me.  Crew  saved.  Owned 
by  Daniel  Robinson.    Valued  at  $1,400  ;  insured  for  $1,200. 

/  1856. 

Five  schooners  were  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  this  year, 
and  one  vessel  and  two  lives  off  this  shore,  as  follows : 


FISnBRiMBN'S  MEMORIAL   AND  RE(X>aD  BOOK.  19 

Schooner  ALPHA,  lost  in  the  Gut  of  Canso.  Crew  saved.  Owned 
by  Moses  niirnlmin,  and  others.     Valued  at  $700  ;  insured  for  $500. 

Schooner  LIONESS,  Nathaniel  Watson,  Master ;  burnt  at  Cam- 
belton,  Bay  Chaleur,  June  30th.     Partially  insured. 

Schooner  ITASKA,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  October. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Samuel  Irwin,  and  others.  Valued  at  $3,800 ; 
insured  for  $3,325. 

Schooner  SAMUEL  JONES,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  Charles  Friend  &  Co.  Valued  at  $3,800 ;  in- 
sured for  $3,325. 

Schooner  ARBUTUS,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  October. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Joseph  O.  Procter.  Valued  at  $3,800  ;  in- 
sured for  $3,325. 

Boat  KOSSUTH,  was  probably  run  down  during  the  latter  part  of 
August,  as  she  was  never  hoard  from  after  leaving  p^rt.  Two  men 
lost,  Aaron  Babcock  and  Daniel  Marshall. 

1857. 

Five  vessels  and  nine  men  were  lost  this  year,  one  on  Georges, 
three  in  the  Bay  mackerel  fishing,  and  one  in  the  coasting  trade, 
viz. : 

Schooner  OOLONG,  lost  on  Georges,  in  February.  She  had  a 
crew  of  nine  men,  as  follows :  James  M.  Kendall,  Master ;  George 
Juliar,  Daniel  Sullivan,  Thomas  A.  Sinclair,  James  Hunter,  John 
Williams,  AVilliam  Olson,  John  Anderson,  John  Giaham.  Owned  by 
Aaron  D.  Wells,  and  others.     Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $2,000. 

Schooner  HOSEA  BALLOU,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in 
October.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  John  Parker.  Valued  at  $1,200.  in- 
sured for  $1,050. 

Schooner  MARY  HART,  lost  at  Cape  Breton,  in  October.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  James  S.  Ayer,  and  others.  Valued  at  §3,000 ; 
insured  for  $2,700. 

Schooner  MONTEZUjSIA,  lost  at  Cape  Breton,  in  October.  Owned 
by  Andrew  Leighton.     Valued  at  $2,300  ;  insured  for  $2,000. 

Schooner  PRISCILLA,  in  the  trading  business,  lost  on  Norman's 
Woe,  Gloucester  Harbor,  in  July.  Owned  by  James  Mansfield  & 
Sons.    Valued  at  $1,000,  and  uninsured. 

1858. 
There  were  seven  vessels  and  forty-two  lives  lost  this  year,  as 


20  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

follows :  four  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  one  in  the  P.  E.  Island 
trading ;  and  two  in  the  Newfoundland  herring  fishery. 

Schooner  VILLAGE  BELLE,  Angus  Harvey,  Master ;  with  a 
crew  of  twelve  men,  whose  names  we  were  unable  to  obtain,  as 
they  were  shipped  in  the  Gut  of  Canso.  The  captain's  wife  and  child, 
and  a  j'^oung  lady  passenger,  were  also  on  board,  making  in  all  six- 
teen lives  lost  in  this  vessel.  Lost  while  coming  from  the  Bay,  in 
October.  Owned  by  George  F.  Wonson  &  Brother.  Valued  at 
$3,700  ;  insured  for  03,237. 

Schooner  THREE  SISTERS,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in 
November.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Addison  Merchant,  and  others. 
Valued  at  $500  ;  insured  for  $400 

Schooner  PREMIUM,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  October. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  David  Low  &  Co.  Valued  at  $800 ;  in- 
sured for  $700, 

Schooner  GERANIUM,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  Octo- 
ber. Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Joseph  0.  Procter.  Valued  at  $800 ; 
insured  for  $700. 

Schooner  JOHN  FRANKLIN,  was  lost  while  coming  from  Prince 
Edward  Island,  in  the  winter  of  1858-59.  Had  several  passengers 
on  board,  and  it  is  supposed  fourteen  persons  went  down  in  this  ves- 
sel. Her  crew  list  was  as  follows :  John  McDonald,  Master ;  Den- 
nis Murphy,  Mate  ;  John  Cogle,  Neil  McNeil,  Angus  Chisholm,  Ed- 
ward Malady.  The  family  of  Cogle  were  among  the  passengers. 
Valued  at  $4,500,  and  uninsured. 

Schooner  ALEXANDRIA  sailed  from  Newfoundland  for  New 
York,  Feb.  2d,  with  a  cargo  of  herring,  and  was  never  afterwards 
heard  from.  She  had  a  crew  of  six  men,  as  follows :  Samuel  A. 
Miller,  Master  ;  Samuel  S.  Taylor,  Mate  ;  William  G.  Taylor,  "William 
E.  Stevens,  James  Stevens,  Zenas  Doane.  Owned  by  Dolliver  & 
Stacy.    Valued  at  $4,000,  and  uninsured. 

Schooner  QUEEN  OF  CLIPPERS,  in  the  Newfoundland  lierring 
fishery,  was  lost  with  six  men  in  the  winter  of  1858-59.  George 
Stoddard,  Master;  Daniel  Grant,  Mate;  William  Powell,  Hugh 
Cameron,  Alex.  Cameron,  Thomas  Donny.  Owned  by  Andrew 
Leighton.    Valued  at  $4,400  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

1859. 

There  were  six  vessels  and  thirty-six  lives  lost  this  year,  as  fol- 
lows :  three  on  Georges,  two  in  the  Newfoundland  fishery,  and  one 
freighter 


fishermen's  memorial  and  becord  book.  21 

Schooner  YOUNG  AMERICA,  lost  on  Georges,  in  March,  with 
eight  men.  Chnrlcs  Lord,  Master;  Sewall  11.  Mei-riflclcl,  William 
B.IIaskius,  "William  Gamage,  Jason  Davis,  John  Thurston,  Nathaniel 
Lavelett,  John  A.  Martin,  mostly  belonging  in  Rockport.  Owned  by 
David  Low  &  Co.    Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  83,500. 

Schooner  GRACE  T.  POWERS,  lost  on  Georges,  in  the  terrible 
gale  of  April  1st,  with  eight  men,  viz. :  John  W.  Powers,  Master; 
Stephen  Powers,  brother  of  the  master ;  John  T.  Stutton,  Benjamin 
Munroe,  George  Potter,  Eleazor  G.  Noble,  David  Murray,  James 
Lucas.    Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  CHARLES  E.  GROVER  was  probably  lost  the  same 
da}',  with  nine  men,  viz. :  "William  Gould,  Master;  Thomas  "Walen, 
Elisha  Hall,  Stillraan  Ilipson,  Thomas  Rolles,  James  Gray,  James 
Partington,  Andrew  Ness,  Dexter  Hall.  Owned  by  George  Friend  & 
Co.    Valued  at  $3,400 ;  insured  for  $2,975. 

Schooner  ETHERLINDE,  Capt.  Dix,  in  the  Newfoundland  fish- 
ery, lost  on  Ragged  Island,  in  March.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by 
David  Parkhurst,  and  the  master.  Valued  at  $4,500 ;  insured  for 
$3,000. 

Schooner  HENRIETTA,  in  the  Newfoundland  herring  fishery,  lost 
on  Miquelou  Island,  in  January.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  James 
S.  Ayer.    Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  START,  in  the  freighting  business,  lost  on  Narragansett 
Beach,  Feb.  26lh.    Crew  saved.    Owned  by  John  "W.  Lowe. 

Asa  "West,  of  Belfast,  Me.,  was  lost  overboard,  on  the  night  of 
^larch  1st,  from  schooner  Ocean  Ranger,  on  Georges. 

George  Gray,  of  Boston,  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner 
Grapcshot,  in  the  same  gale. 

"William  Thompson,  alias  Thomas  Shiel  Lacodnt,  of  Mt.  De- 
sert, Mc.,  was  lost  from  schooner  Litile  Lizzie,  in  the  same  gale. 

Andrew  Freeman,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Lilly  Dale,  was 
lost  overboard  off  Mt.  Desert,  April  1st. 

Alexander  Frazier,  of  Cape  Breton,  N.  S.,  of  schooner  Rover, 
was  lost  on  Georges,  April  5th. 

James  McDonald,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Christie  Campbell, 
died  in  the  Bay,  from  the  effects  of  swallowing  a  match. 

Peter  "Williamson,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner  St.  Louis,  fell 
overboard  in  October,  while  the  vessel  was  in  the  Bay,  and  was 
drowned. 

Caleb  Goodwin,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Nourmahal,  died  on 
Georges,  quite  suddenly,  of  heart  disease,  April  10th. 


22  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Daniel  S.  Holly,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Sabine,  was  knock- 
ed overboard  by  the  boom,  while  the  vessel  was  jibbing  over  in  the 
Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  September  2d,  and  was  drowned. 

Feanklin  Amerman  was  knocked  overboard  by  the  main  boom  of 
schooner  Flora  Temple,  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  Sept.  14th,  and 
drowned. 

Daniel  H.  Brown,  of  schooner  Montebello,  was  knocked  over- 
board and  drowned  off  Cape  Sable,  October  6th,  while  on  the  pas- 
sage home  from  the  Bay. 

1860.  .    . 

The  Georges  fishery  was  quite  disastrous  this  year,  there  having 
been  five  vessels  and  forty-eight  lives  lost  in  its  pursuit ;  one  vessel 
was  lost  in  the  mackerel  fishery,  with  eleven  men ;  thirteen  men  were 
lost  from  vessels  other  than  Georgesmen,  making  a  total  of  seventy- 
three  lives.     One  vessel  was  lost  in  the  Prince  Edward  Island  trade. 

Schooner  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  was  lost  in  the  February 
gale,  with  nine  men :  John  McDonald,  Master ;  John  McGrath, 
John  McPhee,  Sewell  King,  Joseph  Williams,  Ronald  McEacheron, 
Rora  McPhee,  Peter  McNeil,  Joseph  King.  Owned  by  Pettingill  & 
Cunningham.    Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  ADVANCE  was  lost  in  the  same  gale  with  eight  men,  as 
follows :  John  Thompson,  Master ;  Benjamin  F.  Hamlin,  Michael  F. 
Morey,  Edwin  F.  Hall,  James  Nolan,  Charles  Seymour,  Joseph  Sell- 
ers, Augustus  McGrath,  Thomas  Nolan.  Owned  by  William  Par- 
sons, 2d  &  Co.    Valued  at  S3,650  ;  insured  for  $3,200. 

Schooner  WILLIAM  S.  WONSON,  lost  in  the  same  gale,  with 
nine  men,  viz. :  William  II.  Lunt,  Master ;  Joseph  W.  Douglass, 
George  Parsons,  Gilbert  Perry,  Lawrence  Cook,  John  Wilson,  Wm. 
Carter,  A.  J.  Knowlton,  George  Wainwright.  Owned  by  George  F. 
Wonson  &  Brother.    Valued  at  64,500  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  RELIEF,  Elisha  Newcombe,  Master ;  with  eight  others, 
as  follows:  William  Smith, Thomas  Riley,  Alex.  McEacheron, Sam'l 
R.  Spinney,  Perez  Butler,  Charles  Bearse,  Jacob  Vanamburg,  Albert 
Mclntire.  Owned  by  John  Pew  &  Son.  Valued  at  $3,800  ;  insured 
for  $2,494. 

Schooner  PLEASANT  BAY  was  lost  in  April.  Fitted  by  Messrs. 
Pettingell  &  Cunningham,  and  owned  in  Essex  and  Beverly.  Wil- 
liam II.  Gage,  Master.  Of  the  crew  of  eight  men,  the  name  of  Wm. 
Hodgkins,  of  this  town,  is  the  only  one  known ;  four  of  the  others 
hailed  from  Beverly.  '  Valued  at  $3,800  ;  insured  for  $3,300. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  recx>rd  book.  23 

Schooner  NEPTUNE'S  BRIDE,  lost  on  Malcomb's  Ledge,  Me., 
with  eleven  men,  in  the  shore  mackerel  fishery.  Jacob  Olsen,  Mas- 
ter; George  Nornootl,  Manuel  Silva,  J.  Enos  Silva,  William  John- 
son, James  II.  Bird,  Tolef  Anderson,  William  Haley,  J.  Antoine  Sil- 
va, Peter  Johnson,  and  a  young  man  whose  name  could  not  be  ascer- 
tained. Owned  by  Charles  Parkhurst.  Valued  at  So,000 ;  insured 
for  $3,500.  [Joseph  Marsh  was  taken  -from  the  mast-head  in  an  al- 
most dying  condition,  and  IIemky  Joiinsox  clung  to  the  boat  and 
was  rescued.]  See  page  153  for  the  thrilling  narrative  of  that  fear- 
ful night. 

Schooner  PILOT,  in  the  P.  E.  Island  trade,  went  ashore  near  Chab- 
ham  Camp,  N.  S.,  Dec.  20th,  and  became  a  total  loss.  No  lives  lost. 
Owned  by  H.  Babson  &  Co.    Valued  at  $1,C00  ;  insured  for  $1,000. 

William  Fowlek  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Rattler,  in  the 
Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  June  13th. 

Henry  Hill,  of  Winterport,  Me.,  died  on  board  schooner  Romp, 
March  18th. 

Francis  Wtman  and  George  Granson,  two  of  the  crew  of  schoon- 
er Feai'less,  left  their  vessel  on  the  Bank,  March  30th,  to  set  their 
trawls,  and  were  never  heard  of  afterwards. 

William  PoiTEit,  of  R'ovideuce,  fell  between  the  wharf  and  vessel, 
at  Charles  Parkhurst's  wharf,  on  the  night  of  November  5th,  and  was 
so  badly  injured  that  he  died. 

Lost  overboard,  on  her  passage  to  Newfoundland,  from  schooner 
Sarah  E.  Smith,  a  man  named  Myers. 

Lost  overboard,  on  Georges,  from  schooner  Typhoon,  Samuel  P. 

IIUSE. 

Lost  overboard,  from  schooner  Sarah  B.  Harris,  Haynes  Low,  of 
Rockport. 

Capt.  Benton  Story,  of  Rockport,  was  lost  overboard  from 
schooner  We're  Here,  May  8th,  off  this  harbor. 

William  F.  Bowen,  a  lad  of  fifteen  years,  son  of  John  D.  Bowen, 
was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Rescue,  Sept.  20th,  on  the  passage 
from  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence. 

Orrich  H.  Wixon  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  John  Pew,  on 
the  passage  from  the  Bay,  in  September. 

Ch^vkles  F.  Anderson,  of  the  schooner  Ti-averse,  was  lost  over- 
board in  July,  on  Georges. 

John  J.  Allen,  son  of  James  D  Allen,  was  lost  from  schooner 
Brant,  Oct.  7th.    , 


24  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Joseph  Parsons  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  S.  E.  Smith,  in 
the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  Sept.  18th. 

"William  Hart  was  lost  from  schooner  Coquette,  on  the  passage 
from  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  October  20th. 

Capt.  Joseph  Greenleaf,  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Nile, 
on  the  passage  from  Boston,  November  23d. 

John  Marstons  was  found  drowned  in  the  dock  of  the  wharf  of 
A.  Merchant  &  Co. 

1861. 

The  number  of  vessels  lost  this  year  is  the  largest  of  any  one  year 
thus  far  from  this  port,  being  fifteen.  Number  of  lives,  forty-four.  There 
were  four  vessels  lost  on  Georges,  three  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence, 
three  Georgesmen  in  the  harbor,  one  on  Cape  Cod,  one  at  St.  Mary's, 
one  at  Eagged  Island,  one  at  Louisburg  bar,  and  one  at  Cole  Bay. 

Schooner  SWEEPSTAKES,  lost  on  Georges,  in  Februar3\  Jas. 
Scearth,  Master';  crew  of  eight  men  as  follows:  Neal  Walker,  Chas. 
Bixzett,  Augustus  McDonald,  James  Barkley,  John  Stewart,  Mat- 
thew West,  Thomas  Jackman,  James  McCullough.  Owned  by  Clark 
&  Rust.     Valued  at  64,000  ;  insured  for  $3,325.     . 

Schooner  SUSAN  YOUNG  was  lost  the  same  time.  Nine  men. 
Anthony  Medeors,  Master ;  George  McDonald,  Otis  E.  Swain, 
Manuel  Francis,  Antoine  Gormez,  Joseph  Antoine,  William  Denni- 
son,  Edwin  Nealy,  Joseph  Carter.  Owned  by  Wm.  H.  Friend  &  Co. 
Valued  at  $3,000  ;  insured  for  §2,275. 

Schooner  H.  M.  STANWOOD  was  probably  lost  in  the  same  gale. 
Patrick  Gorman,  Master ;  and  seven  men :  viz.,  Benjamin  E.  Owen, 
George  Ash,  James  Warren,  Joseph  Minor,  Henry  Laroque,  Joseph 
Parker,  Gamaliel  Stewart.  Owned  by  Hardy  &  McKenzie.  Valued 
at  S4,000  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  WHITE  SWALLOW  lost  at  the  same  time,  with 
nine  men.  Peter  Nelson,  Master ;  Charles  H.  Booman,  Stephen 
Barnard,  John  Botherton,  James  McDonald,  John  Herman,  John 
Johnson,  Peter  Lawson,  and  Henry  Bertram  were  lost  in  her.  Owned 
by  Davis  &  Maddox.     Valued  at  $3,400  ;  insured  for  $2,975. 

Schooner  TP^LEGRAPH,  while  returning  from  Georges  on  the 
night  of  Feb.  IGth,  came  into  collision  with  the  schooner  M.  C.  Rowe, 
off  Eastern  Point,  and,  becoming  unmanageable,  went  ashore  near 
Norman's  Woe,  and  became  a  total  loss.    One  of  the  crew,  Emanuel 


FISHERMEN^  XBHORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK.  25 

Fcrdiimnd,  was  drowned ;  the  remainder  were  saved.  Owned  by 
Chark's  I'jvrkhurst.     Valued  at  83,200  ;  insured  for  $2,800. 

Scliooncis  MARY  1).  BAUSON  and  D.  P.  GALE  drove  out  of  tlie 
harbor  in  the  severe  gsilc  of  March  21st,  and  went  ashore  near  "  Old 
House  Cove,"  wliere  they  became  a  total  loss.  Tiie  former  was  owned 
by  II.  Babson  &  Co.,  valued  at  84,500  ;  insured  for  83,775,  and  the  lat- 
ter by  David  Parlthurst  &  Co.  Valued  at  84,600  ;  insured  for  $4,000. 
Crews  saved. 

Schooner  MOIIENIE,  while  returning  from  the  Bay,  in  August, 
went  ashore  at  Cape  Sable,  and  became  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  David  Parkhurst  &  Co.  Valued  at  $3,450 ;  insured  for 
$3,150. 

Schooner  COQUETTE  went  ashore  on  the  bar  at  Port  Hood,  in 
September,  and  became  a  total  wreck.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by 
George  F.  Wonson  and  Bros.     Valued  at  $3,200 ;  insured  for  $2,800. 

Schooner  E.  K.  KANE  went  ashore  at  Liverpool,  N.  S.,  on  her  re- 
turn trip  from  the  Bay,  and  became  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Pettiugill  &  Cunningham.  Valued  at  $3,400  ;  insured  for 
$2,800. 

Schooner  REPUBLIC,  while  returning  from  a  trading  voyage,  went 
ashore  at  Ragged  Island,  and  became  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Charles  Friend  &  Co.  Valued  at  $2,500 ;  insured  for 
82,000. 

Schooner  NARRAGAUGUS,  from  St.  Pierre,  Miquclon,  went  ashore 
at  St.  Mary's,  near  Guj-sboro',  Feb.  12th,  and  was  lost.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  George  Hughes. 

Schooner  R.  H.  OAKES  went  ashore  on  Louisburg  Bar,  December 
24th,  and  became  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Sinclair  & 
Low.     Valued  at  86,000  ;  insured  for  $5,000. 

Schooner  ELLA  OSBORNE  went  iisliore  at  Cole  Bay,  in  Decem- 
ber, and  became  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Capt.  John 
McMuUen.     Valued  at  $3,200  ;  insured  for  $2,500. 

Schooner  ST.  CLOUD,  lost  in  March,  on  Cape  Cod,  while  on  a 
voyage  from  New  York  to  Boston.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  George 
Steele.     Valued  at  $3,800  ;  insured  for  $3,000. 

Frank  Williams  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Daniel  McPhee, 
on  a  trip  to  "Western  Banks,  in  February. 

JouN  WiTHAM  was  lost  about  twenty-five  miles  off  Eastern  Point, 
from  schooner  Sparkling  Wave,  on  a  return  trip  from  Georges,  in 
March. 


26  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

William  L.  Elmoke  was  lost  on  Georges,  in  March,  from  schooner 
Rival. 

Alfred  Adams,  lost  overboard  in  March,  from  schooner  Lucille 
Curtis,  on  Georges. 

James  Clarey  was  lost  from  schooner  General  Butler,  in  the  Gut 
of  Can  so. 

Joseph  Shankung,  lost  in  the  Bay  from  schooner  Lodi,  in  No- 
vember. 

Duncan  Mc Mullen  and  William  French,  left  schooner  Cynisca 
on  the  Banks,  October  12th,  to  examine  their  trawls,  and  were  never 
seen  again. 

1862. 

LOST   IN  THE   FEBRUARY   GALE. 

On  Monday  evening,  February  24th,  a  temble  gale  from  the  north- 
west suddenly  burst  upon  the  fishing  fleet  on  Georges,  where  there 
were  about  seventy  sail  at  anchor  very  near  to  each  other.  Not  hav- 
ing sufficient  wai*ning  of  the  blow,  they  were  unable  to  heave  up,  aifd 
the  fact  of  there  being  thirteen  vessels  lost  with  their  entire  crews, 
and  two  abandoned,  and  their  crews  rescued  by  inward-bound  ves- 
sels, will  give  some  idea  of  the  fearful  collisions  which  occurred,  and 
the  terrible  violence  of  the  storm.  The  anxiety  of  those  having 
friends  thus  exposed  was  terrible  to  witness,  and,  as  each  vessel  round- 
ed Eastern  Point,  there  was  the  most  intense  desire  to  learn  her 
name,  and  to  ascertain  if  those  on  board  had  seen  anj^tliing  of  other 
vessels  since  the  blow.  Nearly  every  vessel  met  with  more  or  less 
disaster,  losing  cable  and  anchors,  booms,  masts,  or  were  so  badly 
stove  up  as  hardly  to  be  able  to  get  back  to  port.  One  by  one  they 
came  along  until  the  number  narrowed  down  to  th*rteen,  who  with 
their  crews  had  left  port  for  their  last  fishing  trip. 

Two  of  the  vessels  were  abandoned,  the  crews  having  narrow  es- 
capes. Thore  was  general  sorrow  throughout  the  community.  Many 
of  the  best  skippers  of  the  town  were  lost  in  this  gale,  as  several  of 
them  Avere  on  board,  some  of  the  vessels  lost,  having  taken  this  trip 
as  their  own  vessels'  vrere  not  quite  ready  to  start.  There  were  lost 
in  this  gale  one  hundred  and  twenty  men  and  fifteen  vessels,  leaving 
seventy  widotos  and  one  Jiundred  and  forty  fatherless  children.  In  ad- 
dition to  this  terrible  disaster,  there  were  lost,  previous  to  this  gale, 
thirty-eight  men  and  four  vessels.  One  each  in  the  Georges,  Bank, 
Newfoundland  and  shore  winter  fisheries,  making  an  aggregate  of 
nineteen  vessels  in  all,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty-two  men. 

The  losses  in  the  February  gale  were  as  follows  : 

Schooner  ENTERPRISE,  nine  men,  viz. :  Henry  Peterson,  Mp,ster ; 


nSHKOCEN'S  BIEMORIAL  AND   RECORD  BOOK.  27 

John  Foster,  Charles  Brown,  Hervey  Peterson  (son  of  master), 
Erastus  RacklifTe,  A.  E.  Benson,  Wm.  Baryson,  F.  II.  Quimby,  and 
one  man,  name  unknown.  Owned  by  Geo.  F.  Wonson  &  Bros.  Val- 
ued at  SijOOO  ;  insurcil  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  GEORGE  F.  WONSON,  nine  men,  viz. :  Artemas  Cam- 
eron, Master;  Gorham  Clark,  Jr.,  Elijah  Gardner,  Wm.  Dingle,  Mur-. 
dock  McNeil,  Thomas  W.  Firth,  John  Lind,  Joseph  Atwater,  Wm. 
Strand.    Owned  by  Capt.  Artemas  Cameron.    Valued  at  $3,500; 
insured  for  $3,000. 

Schooner  MAY  QUEEN,  nine  men,  viz. :  George  Brant,  Master ; 
John  Smith,  Alex.  Hutchius,  Matthew  Olson,  Samuel  Parsons,  James 
Webb,  Benj.  F.  Parsons,  John  W.  Johnson,  James  Hudson.  Owned 
by  Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co.    Valued  at  $3,800  ;  insured  for  $3,325. 

Schooner  OCE^N  FLOWER,  nine  men,  viz. :  John  Carney,  Mas- 
ter ;  James  Fitzpatrick,  James  Brady,  Dennis  Olcutt,  James  Bre- 
man,  Daniel  Conway,  Cornelius  Fluen,  Daniel  Long,  John  Griffin. 
Owned  by  Charles  Parkhurst.    Valued  at  $3,G00 ;  insured  for  $3,150. 

Schooner  OCONOMOWOC,  ten  men,  viz. :  Dennis  S.  Kelly,  Mas- 
ter ;  John  Henderson,  John  P.  Parsons,  John  McNash,  John  Mur- 
phy, James  Parsons,  Michael  Murphy,  Dennis  Kelly  (master's  son), 
Joseph  Brown,  John  Jerret.  Owned  by  Charles  Parkhurst.  Valued 
at  $3,200  ;  insured  for  $2,800. 

Schooner  NORTH  STAR,  nine  n\en,  viz. :  James  Roach,  Master ; 
Thomas  Foley,  James  Donnelly,  Joseph  Brown,  Thomas  Jones,  Otis 
Scarborough,  Thomas  Tobin,  Jaines  Henderhan,  Richard  Harris. 
Owned  by  Charles  Parkhurst.    Valued  at  $2,800  ;  insured  for  $2,450. 

Schooner  CONTEST,  nine  men,  viz. ;  John  Crawley,  Master ;  Pe- 
ter Lunderkin,  John  Sterling,  Robert  Corcoran,  Robert  Harabletou, 
Michael  Wallis,  James  Foley,  Michael  Welsh,  James  Corwin. 
Owned  by  George  Friend  &  Co.  Valued  at  $4,200 ;  insured  for 
$3,675. 

Schooner  NEBRASKA,  nine  men,  viz. :  Spencer  Olmore,  Master ; 
Manuel  Williams,  Samuel  Blatchford,  Jr.,  Levi  Gove,  Manuel  Jo- 
seph, John  Yeaton,  Manuel  Silva,  Frank  Perry,  Joseph  Silva.  Own- 
ed by  George  Friend  &  Co.     Valued  at  $3,200  ;  insured  for  $2,800. 

Schooner  CLARA  EVA,  nine  men,  viz. :  Wm.  T.  Rogers,  Master ; 
Manuel  Zuza,  Manuel  Innis,  Daniel  G.  Grindle,  Richard  Carter, 
Wm.  T.  Young,  Joseph  Silva,  John  Dickson,  Manuel  Peter.  Owned 
by  Charles  Friend  &  Co.     Valued  at  $3,000  ;  insured  for  $2,625. 

Schooner  ANNIE  LAURIE,  nine  men,  viz. :  Charles  Dunnells, 
Master ;  Henry  Carter,  Peter  Brant,  George  Walker,  John  O'Neil, 


28  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Joseph  Lawrence,  John  Jenkins,  George  Folger,  Andrew  Fults. 
Owned  by  John  Pew.     Valued  at  $3,600  ;  insured  for  63,150. 

Schooher  JOHN  J.  CRITTENDEN,  ten  men :  Joseph  McCarty, 
Master ;  Joseph  McCallbeck,  Samuel  Colby,  Frederick  Scott,  Tim- 
othy Currier,  "William  Kiley,  Michael  Stapleton,  Michael  Daniels, 
Daniel  McAdams,  David  Bankham.  Owned  by  Pettingill  &  Cun- 
ningham.    Valued  at  $4,200  ;  insured  for  $3,675. 

Schooner  ANGLO  SAXON,  ten  men,  viz. :  George  "W.  Barbour, 
Master;  Michael  Hogan,  Wm.  Low,  King  Crine,  Frank  Veader, 
Joseph  Carry,  Henly  Hall,  Manuel  Silva,  John  "Williams,  James  A. 
McKay.  Owned  by  Fitz  E.  Riggs  &  Brother.  Valued  at  $4,000 ; 
insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  DREADNAUGHT,  nine  men,  viz. :  George  F.  Dunnels, 
Master ;  Manuel  Silver,  David  Lurvy,  "William  T.  McCrate,  John  Sil- 
ver, Josiah  Scott,  Charles  N.  Baker,  Jacob  Hopster,  Reuben  "Walker. 
Owned  by  Pettingill  &  Cunningham.  Valued  at  $3,600  ;  insured  for 
$3,150. 

Schooner  BORODINO,  Knight,  Master ;  was  disabled  and  aban- 
doned on  Georges.  Crew  taken  off  by  schooner  Peerless,  and 
brought  to  this  port.  Owned  by  George  Steele.  Valued  at  $3,000  ; 
insured  for  $2,625. 

Schooner  QUICKSTEP,  Brewer,  Master  ;  was  also  disabled  at  the 
same  time.  Crew  taken  off  by  schooner  Northern  Chief,  and  brought 
to  port.  Owned  by  George  F.  "Wonson  &  Bros.  Valued  at  $3,200  ; 
insured  for  $2,800. 

LOSSES   PRIOR  TO    THE   FEBRUARY   GALE. 

Schooner  CYNISCA  was  lost  on  "Western  Bank,  January  1st, 
with  nine  men,  viz. ;  Adam  Hunter,  Master ;  Daniel  Smith,  Fletcher 
McPhersou,  Frederick  Warren,  Lawrence  Hunter,  Murdock  Mat- 
thewson,  David  Martin,  Archibald  Black,  Calvin  C.  Campbell.  Three- 
quarters  of  her  were  owned  by  Capt.  Hunter  &  Bro.,  and  the  balance 
by  David  "W.  Low.     Valued  at  $3,600  ;  insured  for  $3,000. 

Schooner  LIFE  BOAT  was  lost  in  the  gale  of  January  1st,  with 
nine  men,  viz. :  Curtis  Ilodgkins,  Master ;  Duncan  M.  Cunningham, 
Angus  Grant,  John  Skillan,  John  Haines,  Charles  Kempton,  Solo- 
mon Conard,  John  Chisholra,  John  T.  Shrider.  Owned  by  David  C. 
Babson  &  Co.     Valued  at  $4,000  ;  uninsured. 

Schooner  OCEAN  TRAVELLER  was  lost  on  her  passage  to  New- 
foundland, in  the  gale  of  January  1st,  with  her  crew  often  men,  viz. : 
John  F.  Smith,  Master ;  John  R.  Johnson,  John  Gardner,  John 
McKinnon,  Samuel  Durgin,    Richard  Anderson,  Patrick  Parsons, 


nsaman'a  memorial  and  record  book.  20 

John  Roach,  B.  Hill,  George  Ebenezer.  Three-quarters  owned  by 
the  master,  and  the  remainder  by  Samuel  W.  Brown.  Valued  at 
64,000  ;  insured  for  $2,500. 

Schooner  OREGON,  lost  January  20th,  on  Quaddy  Head,  with 
eight  men,  viz. :  S.  Guptil,  Master ;  J.  IngcrsoU,  John  O'Brien, 
Wm.  McDonald,  Eben  Wormell,  M.  Ilandlan,  Henry  MofTltt,  Simon 
Hanley.  Owned  by  George  F.  Wonson,  and  others.  Valued  at 
$2,000;  insured  for  $1,500. 

Richard  Woe  axon,  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Kit  Carson,  on 
her  homeward  passage  from  Newfoundland,  January  10th. 

William  Campbell,  lost  overboard  on  Georges,  from  schooner 
Sea  Foam,  in  March. 

Daniel  Desmond,  of  schooner  A.  R.  Andrews,  lost  overboard  Oct. 
12th,  off  Thacher's  Island. 

James  L.  Bcck,  of  schooner  Wild  Rover,  lost  overboard  on  the 
passage  home  from  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  October. 

John  McDonald,  of  schooner  Flying  Fish,  was  drowned  April 
20th,  by  falling  between  the  vessel  and  wharf. 

George  E.  Webber,  of  this  town,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner 
Glad  Tidings,  died  at  Prince  Edward's  Island,  August  10th,  of 
typhoid  fever. 

1863. 

There  were  nine  vessels  and  six  lives  lost  in  the  fishing  business 
this  year:  two  vessels  in  the  Newfoundland,  and  one  in  the  Bank 
fishery.  The  pirate  Tacony  made  a  raid  on  the  fishing  fleet  at  an- 
chor in  the  South  Channel,  June  22d,  burning  six  of  the  vessels. 

Schooner  WILLIAM  PARKMAN  was  dismasted  off  Beaver 
Island,  in  a  gale,  and  was  subsequently  towed  into  Beaver  Harbor, 
and  sold.  One  of  the  crew,  named  Philip  Carey,  was  drowned. 
Owned  by  George  Steele.    Valued  at  §3,200  ;  insured  for  $2,800. 

Schooner  ALFALFA  was  lost  at  English  Harbor,  Newfoundland  > 
in  January.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Charles  Parkhurst.  Valued  at 
$2,500  ;  insured  for  $2,000. 

Schooner  MARY  E.  HILTZ,  John  Hiltz,  Master ;  was  lost  off 
Marblchead,  on  her  homeward  passage  from  Newfoundland,  February 
26th,  during  a  violent  snow  storm.  One  of  her  crew,  named  Tiiojlas 
Christopiier,  was  drowned.  Owned  by  the  master  and  George  P. 
Rust.    Valued  at  $7,500  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  tlie  vessels  burned  by  the  Tacony. 
They  were  valued  at  $25,000,  and  insured,  but  the  manner  of  their 
being  destroyed  rendered  the  insurance  invalid.    Claims  have  been 


30  fishebmen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

made  upon  the  Government  for  indemnification,  and  it  is  presumed 
that  the  insurance  money  will  be  paid  by  the  United  States. 

Schooner  MARENGO,  owned  by  George  Steele. 

Schooner  RIPPLE,  owned  by  Wm.  A.  Pew. 

Schooner  ELIZABETH  ANN,  owned  by  Fitz  E.  Riggs. 

Schooner  RUFUS  CHOATE,  owned  by  Pettingill  &  Cunningham. 

Schooner  "WANDERER,  owned  by  George  Perkins  &  Co.,  and 
her  master,  Capt.  Charles  H.  Pierce. 

Schooner  ADA,  owned  by  James  Power  and  James  Tobin. 


James  Mukphy  and  Daniel  Buckley,  were  lost  overboard  from 
schooner  Horatio  Babson,  Jr.,  on  Georges,  in  February. 

Robert  Mitchell,  of  Kittery,  Me.,  lost  overboard  from  schooner 
Oliver  Burnham,  Feb.  16th,   on  passage  to  Georges. 

Benton  Lewis,  of  Boothbay,  Me.,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Law- 
rence, Nov.  9th,  from  schooner  Charlotte  Brown. 

1864. 

This  was  another  disastrous  year  to  the  fishermen,  proving  with 
the  exception  of  1862,  the  most  unfortunate  since  the  Georges  fish- 
ery commenced.  By  these  sad  disasters  to  the  fishing  fleet,  eighty- 
Jive  men  found  a  watery  grave,  and  thirteen  vessels  were  lost,  viz. : 
eight  on  Georges,  two  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  two  in  the  New- 
foundland fishing,  and  one  in  the  freighting  business. 

The  night  of  March  22d  will  long  be  remembered  as  the  com- 
mencement of  a  severe  northeaster.  There  were  at  this  time  about 
one  hundred  sail  on  Georges,  and  the  howling  of  the  wind  carried 
sad  forebodings  to  many  anxious  wives,  mothers,  and  other  near  and 
dear  friends  of  the  Georgesmen.  They  knew  full  well  that  nothing 
short  of  a  miracle  would  bring  all  of  that  fleet  back  to  port,  and  the 
dread  question,  who  will  be  lost?  repeated  itself  over  and  over  again 
in  the  minds  of  the  anxious  watchers  here  at  home.  It  was  a  sol- 
emn time,  and  all  hearts  felt  that  again  there  were  to  be  lamentations 
for  those  who  would  never  return ;  and  finally,  when  one  by  one 
these  Georgesmen  came  creeping  back  to  port,  and  days  and  weeks 
passed  in  anxious  hope  that  others  would  follow,  it  was  found  that 
six  were  missing,  as  follows : 

Schooner  JOHN  G.  DENNIS,  with  ten  men,  viz. :  Andrew  D. 
Bartlett,  of  Southport,  Me.,  Master  ;  Joel  W.  Bartlett,  (his  brother,) 
Wm.  F.  Dunton,  Franklin  Towle,  both  of  Southport ;  Amos  Stin- 
6on,  Deer  Isle,  Me. ;   Stillman   Spinney,  Thomas  McDonald,  An- 


f^hehmen's  memorial  and  record  book.  31 

drew  Snyder,  Daniel  Holly,  James  Rogers,  of  this  town.  Owned  by 
Shute  &  Merchant.    Valued  at  85,500  ;  insured  for  84,500. 

Schooner  LIGHT  OF  HOME,  nine  men:  Thomas  J.  Moody, 
Master;  Simeon  Moody  (his  brother),  John  Buote,  William  Frazier, 
James  Quirk,  Francis  Dousett,  George  Barbour,  James  Du^cr,  John 
Smith,  all  of  this  town.  Owned  by  Epes  Saj'ward  «fe  Co.  Valued  at 
86,000  ;  insured  for  84,375. 

Schooner  OLIVER  BURNHAM,  nine  men :  Paul  Bushy,  Master ; 
Isaac  Bushy  (his  brother),  Charles  Mace,  Samuel  C.  Mace  (his 
brother),  Newburyport ;  EphraimT.  Briggs,  Charles  King,  Charles  B. 
Marshall,  Michael  Doursey,  Charles  Clark.  Owned  by  Charles 
Friend  &  Co.     Valued  nt  83,800  ;  insured  for  82,450. 

Schooner  NAWADAIIA,  ten  men:  James  Power,  Master;  Ed- 
ward Power  (his  brother),  Michael  Maddix  (nephew  to  master), 
William  Murphy,  Alex.  Maney,  David  Cushman,  all  of  this  town ; 
John  Handrahan  and  Peter  Giddings,  of  Newburyport ;  one  man, 
name  unknown.  Owned  by  H.  C.  Knapp  &  Co.  Valued  at  87,000 ; 
insured  for  86,500. 

Sc"hooner  EMMA  FRANCES,  nine  men  :  John  C.  Mellows,  of  Chat- 
ham, Master ;  Manuel  Rose,  Joseph  Wood,  Joseph  Silva,  Jr.,  Geo. 
Williams,  Andrew  Francis,  John  Williams,  Charles  Silva,  C.  H.  Orr 
(a  stranger,  and  it  is  not  known  where  he  belonged).  Owned  by 
David  Parkhurst  and  Edward  &  William  Babson.  Valued  at  85,000  ; 
insured  for  $3,150. 

Schooner  R.  E.  SPOFFORD,  ten  men ;  James  Smith,  Master ; 
Louis  Graves,  James  McKellau,  Martin  Parker,  Benjamin  Low, 
Charles  Dahl,  Augustus  Swinson,  John  Carl}',  Augustus  Collins, 
Stephen  McGrath.  Owned  by  Clark,  Rust  &  Co.  Valued  at  88,000 ; 
insured  for  84,000. 

To  many  families  the  losses  in  the  above  gale  came  with  double 
severity,  as  four  of  the  vessels  had  brothers  on  board,  viz. :  the  Bart- 
letts,  of  Westport,  Me. ;  the  Maces  of  Newburyport,  and  the  broth- 
ers Powers  and  Mood}'  of  this  town.  Amos  Stinson,  lost  in  the  J. 
*G.  Dennis,  was  a  brother  to  Ira,  lost  from  the  schooner  Emma  Fran- 
ces, in  the  same  gale.  Capt.  Powers,  of  the  Nawadaha,  was  formerly 
master  of  the  Ada,  which  was  burned  by  the  pirate  Taconj',  in  1863. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  there  were  two  vessels  and  their  crews 
lost  on  Georges,  in  the  February  gale,  as  follows  : 

Schooner  RAVEN,  nine  men :  John  Kennedy,  Master ;  John 
Shuttleworth,  Charles  McLillan,  Benjamin  Crittenden,  Nicholas 
Foley,  William  Wallace,  Manuel  Rogers,  George  L.  Dresser,  Alex. 


32  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Terrj'.  Owned  by  Pettingill  &  Cunningham.  Valued  at  S3,600 ; 
insured  for  $3,150. 

Schooner  GORHAM  BABSON,  nine  men :  Daniel  MePhee,  Mas- 
ter ;  James  Greenleaf,  William  Swin,  Thomas  Spring,  John  Murphy, 
Angus  Sutherland,  Daniel  Ready,  Archibald  McDonald,  Elijah  Dem- 
ings.  Owned  by  H.  C.  Knapp  &  Co.  Valued  at  $7,000 ;  insured 
for  $5,500. 

Schooner  KOSSUTH  was  lost  in  the  Newfoundland  fishery,  at 
Owl's  Harbor,  Halifax,  Feb.  15th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  H.  C. 
Knapp  &  Co.     Vessel  and  cargo  valued  at  $12,000  ;  mostly  insured. 

Schooner  FEARLESS,  in  the  Newfoundland  fishery,  lost  on  Miq- 
uelon  Island.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Robert  Fears.  Valued  at 
$5,500  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  FLEETWING  was  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  on 
the  20th  of  August.  Crew  saved.  Owned  bj-  Capt.  Peter  Sinclair 
and  Capt.  James  Ayer.     Valued  at  $6,500  ;  insured  for  $4,500. 

Schooner  OROZIMBO,  went  ashore  at  Chetticamp,  on  the  18th  of 
October,  and  became  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Benja- 
min Haskell.     Valued  at  $8,000  ;  insured  for  $4,000. 

Schooner  TRIUMPH,  Capt.  Campbell ;  was  run  dovrn  and  sunk 
on  her  passage  to  New  York,  March  17th,  by  steamer  "Western  Me- 
tropolis. The  captain  and  three  of  her  crew  were  saved  by  a  boat 
from  the  steamer,  but  two  of  the  creW,  John  Miller,  of  Kittery,  Me., 
and  LiGHTHiLL  Pearce,  of  Bristol,  Me.,  were  drowned.  Owned  by 
John  Low,  Jr.  Valued  at  $9,000  ;  insured  for  $2,000  ;  cargo  valued 
at  $12,000,  and  insured  for  $2,000. 

John  Devine,  lost  overboard  and  drowned  on  Georges,  in  Feb- 
ruary, while  furling  jib.     Body  recovered  and  brought  home. 

Herman  Lane,  of  schooner  Sea  Foam,  son  of  Theodore  Lane,  was 
knocked  overboard  and  drowned  off  Block  Island,  in  June. 

Francis  Augustus,  a  Frenchman,  was  lost  overboard  from  schoon- 
er Emma  Parsons,  off  Noman's  Land,  in  June. 

Ira  Stinson,  of  Deer  Isle,  Me.,  was  washed  overboard  and  drowned 
on  Georges,  March  23d,  from  schooner  Ellen  Frances. 

William  Grant  was  lost  overboard  and  drowned  in  the  Bay  of 
St.  Lawrence,  in  June. 

Joseph  O'Brien,  of  schooner  Joseph  Story,  was  washed  overboard 
and  drowned  off  Cape  Sable,  April  23d,  while  returning  from  West- 
ern Bank. 

Warren  Richardson  was  lost  overboard  and  drowned  on  Georges, 
March  29th. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  33 

William  Fisheii,  son  of  Jacob  F.  Fisher,  lost  overboard  from 
schooner  Boston  Light,  on  passage  to  Boston,  April  2Gth. 

1865. 

There  were  eleven  lives  and  eight  vessels  lost  this  year,  as  follows : 
two  vessels  in  the  porgie  oil  business,  two  trading  vessels,  one  in 
the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence  fishery,  one  in  the  Newfoundland  trade, 
one  Western  Banker,  and  one  in  the  Prince  Edward  Island  trade. 

Schooner  J.  L.  GERRITY,  Knapp,  Master ;  was  wrecked  on  Stir- 
rup Key,  in  April,  while  on  her  passage  to  New  Orleans,  with  a  cargo 
of  mackerel.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  H.  C.  Knapp.  Valued  at 
$6,500  ;  insured  for  $6,000. 

Schooner  NORTHERN  CHIEF  was  run  down  and  sunk  by  the 
English  steamer  Bosphorus,  off  Cape  Sable,  May  31st,  while  on  her 
return  from  Western  Bank.  Slie  had  a  crew  of  eleven  men,  five  of 
whom  were  in  the  cabin,  and  rushing  on  deck,  succeeded  in  scram- 
bling up  the  rigging  and  getting  on  board  the  steamer,  just  as  the 
schooner  was  going  down.  The  other  six  were  drowned,  viz. :  Wins- 
low  R.  Hopkins,  of  Vinalhaven,  Me,,  Master;  John  Lindsey,  James 
Colby,  Peter  Welch,  William  Parkhurst,  John  Kent.  The  disaster 
was  attributed  to  carelessness  on  the  part  of  those  keeping  watch 
on  board  the  steamer.  Owned  by  John  Low  &  Son.  Valued  at 
$9,000  ;  insured  for  $6,000. 

Schooner  SWAN,  of  Annisquam,  porgie  oil  business,  was  lost 
near  Madison  Point,  Conn.,  July  20th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by 
George  Butler  and  Epes  Davis,  Jr.  Valued  at  $1,800  ;  insured  for 
$1,400. 

Schooner  EDWIN,  loaded  with  bricks  and  lumber,  sank  on  the 
night  of  July  31st,  about  ten  miles  N.  E.  of  the  Isle  of  Shoals.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  William  P.  Dollivcr.  Valued  at  $1,500  ;  insured 
for  $1,000. 

Schooner  SEA  FAN,  in  the  porgie  oil  business,  was  lost  ou  York 
Ledges,  October  14th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Wm.  P.  Dolliver 
and  Addison  Procter.  Valued  with  her  outfits  at  $2,500  ;  insured  for 
$2,000. 

Schooner  ST.  LAWRENCE,  engaged  in  the  Bay  mackerel  fishery, 
was  lost  near  Ragged  Island,  on  her  passage  home,  early  in  Novem- 
ber. Crew  saved.  Owned  by  George  Brown.  Valued  at  $3,500 ; 
insured  for  $3,000. 

Schooner  MINERVA  was  lost  near  Pictou,  N.  S.,  on  the  24th  of 
November,   while  ou  her  homeward  passage  from   Prince   Edward 


34  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Island,  with  a  load  of  produce.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  C.  C.  Pet- 
tingill  and  Capt.  Robert  Allen.  Valued  at  $3,500 ;  insured  for 
$3,000. 

Schooner  COIi.  ALLEN  was  lost  near  Louisburg  Harbor,  C.  B., 
December  10th,  while  on  her  passage  to  Newfoundland.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Daniel  Sayward.     Valued  at  $12,000  ;  insured  for  $10,000. 

Christopher  Crouse,  a  native  of  Liverpool,  N.  S.,  was  lost  over- 
board from  schooner  Carrie  E.  Crouse,  on  the  passage  from  New- 
foundland, February  3d. 

Horatio  Bartlett,  of  Camden,  Me.,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner 
"William  Babson,  was  washed  overboard  on  Georges,  April  30th,  and 
drowned. 

Capt.  John  McLellan,  master  of  schooner  Sabine,  was  lost  over- 
board on  Georges,  while  at  the  wheel,  February  12th. 

Angus  E.  Gillis  and  Thomas  E.  Ladd,  two  of  the  crew  of  schooner 
Prince  of  Wales,  were  lost  overboard  and  drowned,  May  17th,  while 
on  the  passage  from  Surinam. 

1866. 

Twenty-six  lives  and  fifteen  vessels  were  lost  this  year,  as  follows : 
three  vessels  in  the  Georges  fishery,  three  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Law- 
rence, three  in  the  shore,  two  in  the  Newfoundland,  and  four  in  the 
freighting  business. 

Schooner  JAMES  SEWARD,  lost  off  Rockland,  Me.,  November 
14th,  while  on  her  passage  home  from  the  Bay.  Crew  saved.  Owned 
by  David  Parkhurst.  Valued  with  her  cargo  at  $8,000  ;  insured  for 
86,820.  '  ^ 

Boat  MARY,  sank  while  coming  from  Boston,  May  1st.  Crew 
saved.     Owned  by  John  Clark,  3d.     Valued  at  $700  ;  no  insurance. 

Schooner  CLARION,  lost  off  Newport,  R.  I.,  in  May.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  Addison  Procter,  and  others.  Valued  at  $2,550  ; 
insured  for  $2,250. 

Schooner  BOXER  sprung  aleak  and  sank  off  Eastern  Point,  on 
the  night  of  Nov.  17th.  Crew  saved.  Valued  at  $800  ;  insured  for 
$700. 

Schooner  DWIGHT,  in  the  freighting  business,  lost  near  Key 
West,  in  Januar3^  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Capt.  Oliver  G.  Lane, 
Annisquam.     Valued  at  $11,000  ;  insured  for  $9,000. 

Schooner  CARRIE  E.  CROUSE,  lost  on  the  passage  to  Balti- 
more, in  February,  with  her  crew  of  six  men,  as  follows :  William 
L.  Crouse,  Master ;  George  Gerring,  Hugh  McLain,  Wm.  Howlett, 


fishermen's  memokial  and  record  book.  35 

John  ]McLnin,  Robert  Swallow.  Owned  by  John  Perkins  &  Co. 
Valued  at  812,000 ;  insured  for  $10,000. 

Schooner  D.  L.  STURGIS  was  disabled  while  on  her  passage  to 
Rochelle,  and  put  into  Bermuda,  where  she  was  condemned.  Owned 
by  Francis  "W.  Ilomans,  and  others.  Valued  at  011,000 ;  insured  for 
$9,000. 

Schooner  GEORGE  J.  MARSH  was  lost  off  Magdalene  Islands, 
in  September,  while  on  the  passage  from  Ivitgut,  Greenland.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  Capt.  Samuel  Irwin,  George  J.  Marsh,  and  others. 
Valued  at  $31,000  ;  insured  for  $14,000. 

Schooner  M.  C.  ROWE,  lost  in  January,  while  on  the  passage 
ft-om  Newfoundland.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  David  Low  &  Co. 
Valued  at  $10,500  ;  insured  for  $8,000. 

Schooner  GEN.  SHERIDAN,  lost  off  Cape  Canso,  January  14th, 
on  the  passage  home  from  Newfoundland.  Four  of  the  crew  were 
lost,  viz. :  James  Pringle,  Robert  Dahl,  George  Howard,  Tiiomas 
Harris.  Owned  by  Walen  &  Co.  Valued  at  $12,000 ;  insured  for 
$10,000. 

Schooner  ARCTURUS,  in  the  Georges  fishery,  struck  on  L'llom- 
madieu  Shoal,  May  3d,  and  was  sunk.  Crew  saved.  She  was  aban- 
doned to  the  underwriters,  and  subsequently  raised  and  sold.  Owned 
by  James  Mansfield  &  Co.  and  Capt.  Eben  Davis.  Valued  at  $2,400  ; 
insured  for  $2,250. 

Schooner  SARAH  sprung  aleak  and  sank  on  Georges,  July  16th. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  "William  II.  Oakes  and  George  II.  Smith. 
Valued  at  $2,800  ;  insured  fo?  $1,700. 

Schooner  CLARA  DAVIS,  lost  on  Georges  in  the  gale  of  October 
18th,  with  all  her  crew  of  eight  men,  viz. :  Matthew  Caig,  Master ; 
George  Zwicker,  Edward  Marshall,  Richard  Troy,  Charles  Lunt, 
John  "Wade,  Peter  Burke,  Joseph  Silva.  Owned  by  James  Mans- 
field &  Sons.     Valued  at  $3,000  ;  insured  for  $2,675. 

Schooner  MARTHA  &  ELIZA  was  run  down  and  sunk  by  schooner 
Northerner,  on  the  30th  of  August,  near  Magdalene  Islands.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  Joseph  O.  Procter.  Valued  at  $4,200 ;  insured 
for  $3,675. 

Schooner  ARCOLA,  drove  ashore  at  Port  Hood,  on  the  4th  o'f 
October,  and  became  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Gusta- 
vus  GriflSn  &  Son,  of  Annisquam.  Valued  at  $2,300 ;  insured  for 
$2,025. 

Four  men  were  lost  from  the  wreck  of  schooner  Maggie  McLane, 
which  was  being  towed  in  by  the  schooner  Lady  Franklin,  on  the 


36  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

night  of  March  20th.  Their  names  were  John  Thus,  of  Norway ; 
MuRDOCK  FiNLATsoN,  of  Guj'^sboro',  N.  S. ;  Rhoderick  McDonald, 
of  Straits  of  Canso ;  Andrew  Perkins,  of  York,  Me. 

Daniel  Fardy  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Arizona,  bound 
for  Georges,  on  the  night  of  September  21st. 

Lewis  A.  McDonald  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  E.  R. 
Nickerson,  on  the  20th  of  August,  off  Magdalene  Islands. 

William  Miller,  of  Lanesville,  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner 
Emporia,  Aug.  27th. 

William  Davis  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Carrie  S.  Dagle, 
January  10th,  on  her  passage  from  Newfoundland. 

1867. 

There  were  sixty-six  lives  and  eleven  vessels  lost  this  year,  as 
follows  :  three  on  Georges,  one  in  the  Newfoundland  trade,  three  in 
the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  two  in  the  shore  fishery,  and  two  freighters. 

Schooner  JOHN  W.  LOWE,  probably  lost  in  the  gale  of  January 
17th,  while  on  the  passage  from  Newfoundland.  Crew  of  nine  men, 
viz. :  Manly  Grimes,  Master ;  Gustave  Witer,  Raymond  White, 
George  H.  GriflBn,  James  Hanler,  Oliver  Norton,  Augustus  Dagle, 
Henry  Kappin,  Neal  McKinnon.  Owned  by  John  Low,  Jr.,  &  Son. 
Valued  with  cargo,  at  $15,000  ;  insured  for  $12,000. 

Schooner  FRANK  HERBERT,  lost  on  Georges,  in  August.  Crew 
of  eight  men,  viz. :  Patrick  Flaherty,  Master ;  Hugh  McDonnough, 
Michael  McDonnough,  James  King,  Thomas  Mullen,  Michael 
Flaherty,  Martin  Foley,  Mark  McLaughlin.  Owned  by  Hugh 
McDonnough  and  Samuel  Lane  &  Bro.  Valued  at  $4,500  ;  insured 
for  $2,200. 

Schooner  SUNNY  SIDE,  lost  on  Georges,  same  month.  Crew 
of  nine  men,  viz. :  John  Grant,  Master ;  Henry  Beckman,  John 
Myers,  Peter  Frederickson,  Peter  Peterson,  Hans  Anderson,  Alex- 
ander Colson,  William  Wilson,  James  Kirby.  Owned  by  Walen  & 
Co.    Valued  at  $7,000  ;  insured  for  $5,500. 

Schooner  ONWARD  had  a  narrow  escape  on  Georges  in  the  gale 
of  August  2d.  She  was  boarded  by  a  heavy  sea,  which  swept  away 
Bowsprit,  masts,  bulwarks,  &c.,  mtking  a  complete  wreck  of  the 
vessel  above  her  deck.  Fortunately  no  lives  were  lost.  Owned  by 
Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &Co.  Abandoned  to  the  underwriters  and  sold  at 
auction  for  $1,000.     Valued  at  $3,500  ;  insured  for  $3,062. 

Schooner  FASHION,  lost  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  the 
September  gale.    Crew  of  thirteen  men,  viz. :  John  Peterson,  Master ; 


fisuermen's  mcmokial  and  record  book.  37 

Parker  Moody,  John  Williams,  James  Montgomery,  John  Cadeel, 
Antono  Prater,  Frank  Prater,  Antono  Silva,  Allen  O'Brien,  Thomas 
Thomas,  and  three  others,  names  unknown.  Owned  by  Samuel 
Haskell.    Valued  at  $4,500  ;  insured  for  $3,557. 

Schooner  WATER  SPIRIT  went  ashore  at  Chctticamp,  in  the  gale 
of  September  30th.  Crew  saved.  Abandoned  to  the  underwriters. 
Owned  by  George  Garland.     Valued  nt  $9,075  ;  insured  for  $7,525. 

Schooner  LADY  FRANKLIN  went  ashore  in  the  same  gale,  at 
Malpec.  Abandoned  to  the  underwriters.  Owned  by  William  Par- 
sons, 2d,  &  Co.     Valued  at  $5,G00  ;  insured  for  $4,900. 

Schooner  STAR  OF  THE  EAST,  in  the  shore  mackerel  fishery, 
sank  on  a  ledge  off  Wood  Island,  September  29th.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Capt.  Charles  M.  Curtis  and  Joseph  Friend  &  Co.  Valued 
at  $9,000  ;  insured  for  $7,525. 

Schooner  WATER  WITCH,  in  the  seining  business,  lost  off  Ma- 
tinicus  Island,  Me.,  Aug.  3d.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Capt.  Addi- 
son Wonson,  and  others.     Valued  at  $2,000  ;  no  insurance. 

Schooner  COL.  ORNE  was  run  down  and  sunk  while  on  her  home- 
ward passage  from  New  York,  May  14th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by 
Capt.  Samuel  Elwell,  Jr.     Valued  at  $2,500  ;  insured  for  $1,800. 

Schooner  JENNIE  TYLER,  lost  in  August,  on  her  passage  from 
Para  to  New  York.  Eight  men,  viz. :  Solomon  Frellick,  Master ; 
E.  King  Coas,  mate ;  David  Smith,  Ileury  Robinson,  Louis  Dyer, 
James  Hamilton,  and  two  Swedes,  names  unknown.  Owned  by 
William  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co.,  and  others.  Valued  at  $20,000 ;  in- 
sured for  $11,000. 

Isaac  Bakkr,  of  Manchester,  was  drowned  from  schooner  Belle 
Brandon,  May  12th,  while  Ij'ing  in  Newport  Harbor. 

WiLLiASi  Blair,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Theron  J.  Dale,  was 
lost  overboard  on  the  passage  to  Demarara,  on  the  30th  of  April. 

Michael  Malchy,  mate  of  schooner  Rattler,  was  lost  overboard 
in  the  gale  of  January  17th,  while  on  the  passage  from  Newfound- 
land. 

James  F.  Sodtherland,  mate  of  schooner  Setagawa,  and  John 
Tufts,  mate  of  schooner  George  O.  Ilovey,  were  drowned  on  the 
homeward  passage  from  Newfoundland. 

Dakiel  Burxham  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Arequipa,  on 
the  23d  of  November,  while  on  the  passage  to  Newfoundland. 

Samuel  Roberts  was  lost  overboard  on  Georges  from  schooner 
Lookout ;    George    Sceales,   from    the   Samuel    Wonson ;    J.   A. 


38  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Haverner,  from  the  Northerner ;  James  McDonald,  from  the  Bar- 
bara Frietchie,  on  her  homeward  passage  from  "Western  Bank. 

Edward  Mitchell,  Thomas  Herring,  Matthew  Silver,  and 
Albert  Bigelow,  were  lost  overboard,  on  the  2d  of  June,  from 
schooner  Hattie  M.  Lyons ;  William  L.  Nickerson,  and  Lewis 
DoANE,  from  schooner  J.  11.  Nickerson,  on  the  1st  of  June.  These 
crews  were  in  the  Grand  Bank  fishery. 

Henry  Sinott  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Eoger  "Williams, 
October  23d,  while  on  the  homeward  passage  from  the  Bay  of  St. 
Lawrence. 

Bradford  Thomas,  lost  from  schooner  C.  C.  Pettingill,  in  the  gale 
of  September  30th. 

Capt.  Alexander  Benson,  of  schooner  Montrose,  died  quite  sud- 
denly on  the  24th  of  October,  of  hemorrhage,  while  engaged  in  fishing 
on  Georges. 

1868. 

There  were  thirty-nine  men  and  four  vessels  lost  this  year,  as 
follows :  two  in  the  Bank  fishery,  one  on  Georges,  and  one  freighter. 

Schooner  IDAHO,  was  probably  lost  in  January ;  she  was  engaged 
in  the  Grand  Bank  fishery,  and  had  a  crew  of  eight  men,  as  follows : 
Samuel  F.  "Wennerberg,  Master  ;  Charles  Anderson,  Charles  Benson, 
John  Rutledge,  Thomas  Dunn,  John  Parker,  Henry  Rutherman, 
Charles  Hayden.  Owned  by  George  Garland.  "Valued  at  $9,000 ; 
insured  for  $7,000. 

Schooner  GENERAL  BUTLER  was  lost  in  the  Georges  fishery, 
in  June.  Supposed  to  have  been  run  down.  Had  a  crew  of  ten  men, 
as  follows :  Sereno  "W.  Campbell,  Master ;  Frank  Brown,  James 
Sherman,  David  Lane,  Jr.,  Edward  Duncan,  Joseph  Hobbs,  Wait- 
sell  Nickerson,  George  Oram,  and  two  others,  names  unknown. 
Owned  by  D.  C.  &  H.  Babson,  Jr.  Valued  at  $6,000 ;  insured  for 
$5,250. 

Schooner  JAMES  S.  AYER  was  lost  in  December,  in  the  Grand 
Bank  fishery.  Had  twelve  men,  viz. :  John  R.  McDonald,  Master ; 
Colin  McDonald  (brother  of  master),  Murdock  McDonald,  Stephen 
McDonald,  Philip  Riley,  "Whitfield  Spinney,  John  W.  Brown,  Daniel 
Kennedy,  Michael  McCormick,  Angus  McPhee,  Daniel  McLitire,  J. 
E.  Osier.  Owned  by  Dennis  &  Ayer.  "Valued  at  $8,000 ;  insured 
for  $6,900. 

Schooner  LIZZIE  F.  CHOATE,  in  the  freighting  business,  lost  in 
the  gulf  stream,  Feb.  7th,  while  on  the  passage  from  New  York  to 
Antigua.     Three  of  her  men  were  lost,  viz. :  David  Gaff'ney,  Master ; 


fishermen's  memorial  and  begord  book.  39 

Henry  Gaffnoy  (brother  of  the  master),  Benjamin  Marston.  The 
remainder  of  the  crew,  Reuben  McKenney,  Hugh  McKinnon,  Charles 
Nelson,  remained  on  the  wreck  five  days,  when  they  were  taken  off 
by  the  British  brig  J.  S.  Wright.  Owned  by  Waleu  &  Co.  Valued 
at  $12,000  ;  insured  for  $9,000. 

FiuNK  Campuell  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Franklin  Snow, 
on  the  21st  of  February,  while  furling  the  jib. 

David  Hinckley,  of  Cape  Breton,  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner 
Isaac  Somes,  on  the  27th  of- April,  while  reefing  the  mainsail. 

Charles  Deitricii,  of  Newburyport,  and  James  Leary,  of  Rock- 
port,  were  lost  from  schooner  Abby  Dodge,  in  May,  while  visiting 
their  trawl. 

TuoMAS  Earlx  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Farragut,  Feb. 
14th,  shortly  after  leaving  port,  bound  for  Georges.  Ho  was  a 
native  of  Gosport,  England. 

Martin  Henderson,  of  Beverly,  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner 
Rambler,  April  15th,  while  reefing  mainsail. 

Charles  Foster  of  Guysboro',  N.  S.,  was  lost  from  schooner 
Florence  Reed,  Nov.  10th,  while  on  the  passage  from  the  Bay. 

1869. 

Sixty-six  lives  and  sixteen  vessels  were  lost  this  year,  as  follows: 
five  in  the  Georges  fishery,  two  in  the  Bank  fishery,  four  in  the  shore 
mackereling,  three  freighters,  one  in  the  03'ster  business,  and  one 
pilot  boat. 

Schooner  AUGUSTUS  E.  PRICE  was  lost  on  Georges  in  the  gale 
of  March  6th.  Crew  of  eleven  men,  viz. :  Barnabas  Horton,  Master ; 
Henry  Williams,  Charles  Hicks,  William  Kellcy,  Isaac  Austin,  John 
W.  Rowe,  Thomas  Cameron,  Levi  W.  Cole,  Charles  Swim,  Frank 
Hedman,  Freeman  Goodwin.  Owned  by  McKenzie,  Knowlton  & 
Co.     Valued  at  $9,000  ;  insured  for  $7,000. 

Schooner  MARTHA  A.  PORTER  was  lost  in  the  same  gale,  with 
nine  men,  viz. :  Joseph  0.  Shackelford,  Master ;  Henry  F.  Wonson, 
James  Cam,  William  J.  Ripley,  George  Campion,  Robert  Johnson, 
Charles  Cunningham,  Richard  Morris,  John  Crockett.  Owned  by 
Clark  &  Somes.     Valued  at  $5,600  ;  insured  for  $4,762. 

Schooner  ABIGAIL  C.  AVOODBURY,  lost  in  the  gale  of  March 
7th.  Crew  of  eleven  men,  viz. :  Edward  Welch,  Master ;  James 
Ryan,  James  Manuering,  Joseph  Francis,  Matthew  Murray,  Michael 
Finley,  Mark  Lyons,  Michael  Carroll,  Charles  Campbell,  Archibald 
Campbell,  and  one  man,  name  unknown.  Owned  bj'  D.  C.  &  H. 
Babson,  Jr.     Valued  at  $9,000  ;  insured  for  $7,000. 


40  fishermen's  memorial  ANb   RECORD  BOOK. 

Schooner  A.  R.  ANDREWS,  lost  in  the  same  gale.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Charles  Parkhurst.     Valued  at  $3,400 ;  insured  for  $2,975. 

Schooner  IZAAK  WALTON  came  into  collision  vv^ith  schooner 
William  Babson,  while  returning  from  Georges,  Sept.  26th,  and  sank 
shortly  afterward.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  D.  C.  &  H.  Babson,  Jr. 
Valued  at  $5,500  ;  insured  for  $3,500. 

Schooner  FOREST  BELLE  was  lost  in  the  Grand  Bank  fishery, 
probably  early  in-  January.  She  was  a  new  vessel  and  on  her  first 
trip.  Had  a  crew  of  twelve  men,  viz. :  Moses  M.  Welch,  Master ; 
Robert  M.  Collins,  Daniel  Lufkin,  Randall  McLellen,  Arthur  Ulmer, 
Sylvanns  Gott,  George  Bar tlett,  George  Kane,  John  A.  Kellej^  James 
McDonald,  William  Hickman,  William  B.  Rowe.  Owned  by  Rowe 
&  Jordan.     Valued  at  $10,300  ;  insured  for  $5,000. 

Schooner  ABBY  H.  SWASEY  was  lost  on  Half  Moon  Beach,  off 
Cape  Negro,  July  12th,  on  her  homeward  trip  from  the  Grand  Banks. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  George  Dennis  &  Co.  Valued  at  $6,000 ; 
insured  for  $4,500. 

Schooner  POTOMAC,  in  the  mackerel  fishery,  went  ashore  at  Orr's 
Island,  Me.,  Sept.  8th,  and  was  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved.  Owned 
by  Brown  Brothers.     Valued  at  $2,500  ;  insured  for  $1,950. 

Schooner  ALABAMA,  in  the  mackerel  fishery,  went  ashore  at 
Kennebunk  in  the  same  gale,  and  proved  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  George  Dennis  &  Co.  Valued  at  $2,000 ;  insured  for 
$1,350. 

Schooner  ANDES  was  totally  wrecked  at  Boothbay,  Me.,  in  the 
same  gale.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Joseph  Andrews  &  Son,  Lanes- 
villc.     Valued  at  $500  ;  no  insurance. 

Boat  RAMBLER  was  lost  off  Portland  at  the  same  time.  Owned 
by  Joseph  Andrews  &  Son.     Valued  at  $250  ;  no  insurance. 

Schooner  THERON  J.  DALE,  in  the  freighting  business,  lost  at 
Baracoa,  April  24th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Capt.  Jesse  Lewis. 
Valued  at  $10,000  ;  insured  for  $7,500. 

Schooner  A.  D.  RICE,  in  the  oyster  business,  lost  in  March,  Alex- 
ander McLane,  of  East  Boston,  Master.  Crew  of  five  men,  names 
unknown.  Owned  by  Gustavus  Griffin  &  Son,  of  Annisquam. 
Valued  at  $9,000  ;  insured  for  $5,000. 

Schooner  CHARLES  A.  STETSON  went  ashore  on  the  bar  at 
Indian  River,  March  22d,  and  proved  a  total  loss.  Owned  by  Capt. 
Abraham  Babson.     Crew  saved.     Valued  at  $5,000  ;  no  insurance. 

Schooner  TWILIGHT,  sunk  off  Beaver  Island,  January  29th,  while 
on  her  passage  home  from  Guysboro',  N.  S.,  with  a  cargo  of  frozen 


fishermen's  biemorial  and  record  book.  41 

eels.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  George  Garland.  It  was  subsequently 
ascertained  that  the  vessel  was  scuttletl  by  the  captain.  Valued  at 
$4,000 ;  insured  for  83,000. 

Pilot  l)oat  YOUNG  RAVEN  was  driven  ashore  on  Pavilion  Beach, 
in  this  harbor,  in  the  galo  of  Sept.  8th,  and  became  a  total  loss. 
Owned  by  David  II.  Ellery  and  Robert  Callahan.  Valued  at  $800 ; 
insured  for  $600. 

Capt.  Josepu  Martin  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Emporia, 
in  the  galo  of  Sept.  8th. 

George  Bowden  was  lost  overboard  fVom  schooner  Belvidere, 
October  lOtb. 

Samuel  Swainson  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Sabine, 
March  2d. 

Maxuel  Rogers  was  lost  overboard  from  Schooner  Marion  Grimes, 
March  Gth. 

WiLLi^vai  Gardner,  of  Southport,  Me.,  was  lost  overboard  from 
schooner  Sophronia,  February  28th. 

John  Smith  was  lost  overboard  from  Schooner  Henry  Ellsworth, 
March  7th. 

Samuel  SMirzi  was  lost  overboard  frou  schooner  Veteran, 
March  7th. 

John  Welch  and  Anthony  WnrrE  were  lost  overboard  from 
schooner  Mary  Anna,  October  2d. 

Philip  Perriway  was  lost  overboard  June  27th,  from  schooner 
Enola  C,  while  returning  from  the  Grand  Banks. 

John  McQuarrib  and  Finley  McMillen,  of  schooner  Harvey  C. 
Mackay,  were  lost  Feb.  23(1,  while  visiting  their  trawls. 

Capt.  John  B.  Woodbury,  of  schooner  James  A.  Stetson,  and 
Robert  Stamps,  one  of  the  crew,  were  lost  April  23d,  in  a  similar 
manner. 

T.  Frank  Winchenbauch  and  Sylvester  Riley  were  lost  from 
schooner  Glenwood,  April  22d. 

Martin  Doxaltry  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Catalina,  in 
the  shore  mackerel  fishery,  in  June. 

1870. 

Thirteen  vessels  and  ninetj'-seven  lives  were  lost  this  year,  as  fol- 
lows :  four  vessels  on  Georges,  two  in  the  Bank  fisher}',  two  in  the 
Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  one  in  the  shore  mackerel  fishery,  two  in  the 
herring  fishery,  and  two  in  the  coasting  business. 

Schooner  rOCUMTUCK,  engaged  in  the  Western  Bank  fishery, 


42  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

was  run  ashore  near  Ship  Harbor,  N.  S.  Condemned  and  sold,  the 
master  pocketing  the  receipts.  Owned  by  Capt.  Sargent  S.  Day. 
Valued  at  $3,000  ;  insured  for  $2,652. 

Schooner  GEORGE  R.  BRADFORD  was  lost  in  February,  on  the 
homeward  passage  from  Newfoundland.  Crew  of  six  men,  viz. :  John 
Wolfe,  Master ;  Thomas  Tobin,  John  Herring,  Alexander  Grant, 
Samuel  Steele,  William  Appleton.  Owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.  Val- 
ued at  $7,500  ;  insured  for  $6,500. 

Schooner  BELLE  BRANDON  was  wrecked  on  Long  Island,  near 
Mount  Desert,  Me.,  while  on  the  passage  to  Grand  Menan,  N.  B. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Capt.  Wm.  H.  Mackay.  Valued  at  $3,800  ; 
insured  for  $3,325. 

Schooner  DAY  STAR,  in  the  shore  mackerel  fishery,  was  lost  in  the 
gale  of  September  18th,  with  her  crew  of  twelve  men,  viz. :  Simon 
McKie,  Master ;  James  R.  Clarke,  Charles  Thompson,  John  McDon- 
ald, Harraden  Reed,  Andrew  Ryan,  Frank  Anderson,  Francisco  Con- 
stanta Scurpa,  Francisco  Joseph,  William  Thompson,  Thomas  Pow- 
er, and  a  boy  whose  name  is  unknown.  Owned  by  James  Mans- 
field &  Sons.    Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $2,750. 

Schooner  DAUNTLESS  was  lost  on  her  passage  to  the  Bay  of 
St.  Lawrence,  in  September,  with  her  crew  of  twelve  men,  viz. :  Jas. 
G.  Craig,  Master ;  John  La  Pierre,  Martin  Costello,  John  Todd,  Jr., 
George  Todd,  Daniel  Herrick,  Edward  Smith,  James  Smith,  James 
Welch,  George  Goodwin,  and  two  others,  names  unknown.  Owned 
by  Sidney  Friend  &  Bro.    Valued  at  $8,000  ;  insured  for  $7,000. 

Boat  EQUITY,  in  the  mackerel  fishery,  was  wrecked  at  Spectacle 
Island,  October  25th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Capt.  Abraham  Bab- 
son.    Valued  at  $400  ;  insured  for  $362. 

Schooner  WEATHER  GAGE  was  lost  on  Georges,  January  25th, 
with  a  crew  of  ten  men,  viz. :  Mark  Sweeney,  Master ;  Abraham 
Bushy,  Stephen  Chisholm,  William  Powers,  John  Pitman,  John 
McKenzie,  Archie  McNeil,  Archibald  McAlliston,  Neil  Macauley, 
John  A.  McKenzie.  Owned  by  Maddocks  &  Co.  Valued  at  $5,000 ; 
insured  for  $4,375. 

Schooner  AUSTERLITZ  was  boarded  by  a  heavy  sea  in  the  gale 
of  March  13th,  which  left  her  in  a  sinking  condition.  Crew  taken 
off  by  schooner  Rivcrdale.  Owned  by  McKenzie  &  Knowlton.  Val- 
ued at  $3,700  ;  insured  for  $3,275. 

Schooner  WILLIAM  F.  POOL,  lost  on  Georges,  in  March,  with 
her  crew  of  ten  men,  viz. :  James  Lunderkin,  Master ;  William  Troy, 
Henry  Raymond,  John  Sullivan,  James  McLaughlin,  Henry  Peterson, 


FISHERMEN'S  MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK.  43 

Alexander  McDonald,  Peter  Vaughn,  nncl  two  others,  names  unknown. 
Owned  by  Sidney  Friend  &  Bro.  Valued  at  89,000 ;  insured  for 
$7,918. 

Schooner  ALATAMAIIA,  lost  on  Georges,  in  October,  with  her 
crew  of  ten  men,  viz. :  William  Brown,  Master ;  Henry  Gricr,  Jas. 
Revilee,  Benjamin  Powers,  "William  Goycr,  Antono  Norbury,  Charles 
Terry,  Charles  Hamlin,  and  two  others,  names  unknown.  Owned  by 
Capt.  William  Brown,  and  others.  Valued  at  $6,000 ;  insured  for 
$4,930. 

Schooner  VIKING  was  lost  in  January,  on  her  way  to  the  Grand 
Banks.  Had  a  crew  of  eleven  men,  viz. :  William  I.  Rogers,  Master ; 
Edward  Callahan,  Patrick  Frazier,  Larry  Frazler,  August  Frazier, 
Henry  Hartford,  William  Parker,  John  E.  Reed,  Lemuel  S.  Rogers, 
Dennis  Sullivan,  John  Burke.  Owned  by  Lemuel  Friend  &  Co. 
Valued  at  $7,800  ;  insured  for  $6,825. 

Schooner  NOR'WESTER,  of  this  port,  sailed  from  New  York  for 
Para,  in  October,  1809,  and  was  never  heard  from  again.  Command- 
ed by  Capt.  John  S.  Foster,  of  this  town,  and  had  a  crew  of  five 
men,  shipped  in  New  York,  whose  names  are  unknown.  Owned  by 
Jolm  Pew  &  Son.    Valued  at  $9,000 ;  insured  for  63,500. 

Schooner  JULIA  PARSONS,  Capt.  Sturgis  Center,  was  abandoned 
at  sea,  November  20th,  while  on  her  passage  from  Surinam.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  Frank  W.  Homans.  Valued  at  $8,000  ;  insured 
for  $0,500. 

The  following  persons  were  lost  in  the  Georges  fishery  during  the 
year: 

Antone  Enos  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Peerless,  Febru- 
ary 24th. 

Alvin  Nickerson  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Rival, 
March  9th. 

MATTnEW  Gracia  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Eastern  Queen, 
March  18th. 

Frank  Frazier  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Bridget  Ann, 
March  19th. 

Taylor  J.  V.  Allen  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Highflyer, 
September  10th. 

WiLLiAJi  R.  Hardy  and  CnRisTiAN  Cass  were  lost  overboard  from 
schooner  Banvard,  September  4th. 

One  of  the  crew  of  the  Elisha  Holmes,  whose  name  is  unknown, 
was  lost  overboard  March  23d,  while  the  vessel  was  leaving  the 
harbor. 


44  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

John  Carlisle,  of  schooner  Peter  D.  Smith,  died  on  Georges,  May 
4th,  of  heart  disease. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  those  lost  on  the  Banks : 

Joseph  Ward  and  Francis  Lee,  of  schooner  John  S.  Tyler,  were 
lost  while  visiting  their  trawls.  May  15th. 

Simeon  Cluford  and  William  Bryant,  of  schooner  Etta  Gott, 
were  lost  in  the  same  manner,  in  May. 

James  Scanlan  and  J.  H.  Ames,  of  schooner  Mary  G.  Dennis, 
were  upsetln  their  dory  and  drowned  while  visiting  their  trawls,  Oct. 
12th. 

Albert  Faulk  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  M.  L.  Wetherell, 
in  October. 

Michael  Nolan  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  George  O. 
Hovey,  October  18th. 

Martin  Qdigly  and  John  E[elly  were  run  down  in  a  fishing  boat 
and  drowned,  off  Eastern  Point,  May  26th. 

John  Rake  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Wildfire,  October 
19th. 

1871. 

This  was  another  terrible  disastrous  year  to  the  fisheries,  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  lives  and  nineteen  vessels  being  lost,  and  with  the 
exception  of  1862,  it  resulted  in  the  greatest  sacrifice  of  life  and 
property  since  the  commencement  of  the  business.  Of  the  vessels, 
ten  were  lost  on  Georges,  four  in  the  Bank  fishery,  two  in  the  shore 
fisher}^,  one  each  in  the  herring  fishery,  Greenland  halibut  fishery,  and 
freighting  business. 

Schooner  HIAWATHA  was  lost  on  Georges,  in  February,  with 
ten  men,  viz. :  Byron  Murphy,  Master ;  John  Glenn,  William  F. 
Powers,  John  McGrath,  John  Callahan,  Michael  Furlong,  Martin 
Cowrey,  James  Goodwin,  Stephen  Green,  Edward  McEae.  Owned 
by  D.  C.  &  Horatio  Babson.     Valued  at  $7,800  ;  insured  for  $6,825. 

Schooner  E.  L.  COOK  was  probably  lost  in  the  same  gale  with 
eleven  men,  viz. :  Samuel  H.  Killham,  Master ;  William  II.  Killham, 
John  Cole,  Lucius  II.  Cavis,  Aaron  Baker,  Angus  McLeod,  Martin 
Bakeman,  Frank  C.  Welch,  George  Hall,  Joseph  Francis,  Elisha 
Roberts.  Owned  by  Perkins  Brothers.  Valued  at  6,900 ;  insured 
for  $6,038, 

Schooner  A.  F.  LINDBERG  was  lost  in  the  gale  of  April  2d,  with 
eleven  men,  viz. :  Charles  Boyson,  Master ;  George  Williams,  Peter 
S.  Miller,  Henry  Tweedy,  Charles  Simpson,  Frederick  Ilandman,  John 
Swinson,  Alexander  Ruden,  Andrew  Henderson,  Andrew  Christenton, 


FISnGRMEN'S  MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK.  45 

Andrew  Peterson.    Omied  by  Daniel  Sayward.    Valued  at  $7,000 ; 
insured  for  $6,125. 

Schooner  SEAMAN'S  PRIDE  was  lost  April  2d,  with  ten  men, 
viz. :  William  H.  Thurston,  Master ;  Joseph  K.  Balciro,  Charles 
Joseph,  John  Graves,  Charles  Anderson,  Alvah  W.  Turner,  James 
Ilanlon,  Joshua  Allen,  Elbridge  Goodwin,  Gerthro  Goodwin.  Owned 
by  Daniel  Sayward.     Valued  at  $4,000  ;  insured  for  $2,625. 

Schooner  WILLIAM  MURRAY  was  lost  April  2d,  with  eleven  men, 
viz.:  Ezekiel  S.  Call,  Master;  Frank  E.  Call  (son  of  the  Master), 
Richard  Carroll,  Edward  Ilillier,  Thomas  Hasey,  James  Shehan, 
Mark  Bray,  William  O'Brien,  Samuel  Stanley",  Edward  B.  Curl,  Alex- 
ander McConnell.  Owned  by  TarrBros.  Valued  at  $5,800  ;  insured 
for  $5,075. 

Schooner  B.  K.  HOUGH  was  lost  April  2d,  with  ten  men,  viz. : 
Daniel  Hillier,  Master;  Rufus  Crosby,  Alexander  Carter,  Michael 
McGraw,  William  Hopkins,  Patrick  Gray,  John  Swinson,  Dennis 
Jewett,  George  Russell,  John  Merton.  Owned  by  John  Pew  &  Son. 
Valued  at  $4,800  ;  insured  for  $4,200. 

Schooner  SACHEM  sank  on  Georges,  in  September.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Capt.  Martin  Nelson.     Valued  at  $600  ;  insured  for  $525. 

Schooner  MONTROSE  was  lost  September  2d,  with  eight  men, 
viz. :  Alonzo  Alley,  Master ;  William  Peterson,  H.  Steward,  Alden 
Harris,  Andrew  Johnson,  Charles  Peterson,  and  two  others,  names 
unknown.  Owned  by  Epes  Sayward,  Jr.  Valued  at  $2,500  ;  insured 
for  $2,100. 

Schooner  EMPORIA  was  lost  Sept.  2d,  with  nine  men,  viz. :  Pat- 
rick Box,  Master;  Martin  Whalen,  Thomas  Christopher,  Michael 
Morrissey,  Louis  Turtua,  Benjamin  Hand,  John  Hand,  John  Powers, 
Charles  Frazier.  Owned  by  Joseph  0.  Procter.  Valued  at  $4,700  ; 
insured  for  $4,150. 

Schooner  FITZ  E.  RIGGS  was  lost  October  12th,  with  nine  men, 
viz. :  Laban  E.  Hiland,  Master;  Thomas  Lear}',  Michael  Fitzgerald, 
Alexander  McKenzie,  Robert  Christopher,  Charles  Anson,  John 
Welsh,  Patrick  Flynn,  Thomas  Foley.  Owned  by  Maddocks  &  Co. 
Valued  at  $3,800  ;  insured  for  $3,325. 

The  following  persons  were  lost  overboard  from  the  Georges  fleet 
during  the  jear :  — 

John  Tucker  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  J.  J.  Bums,  Feb- 
ruary 11th. 

George  Rackhax  was  lost  overboard  from  Schooner  Rebecca 
Bartlett,  Feb.  25th. 


46  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

William  McGuire  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  "William  H. 
Thurston,  March  24th. 

James  Hunt  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Amos  Cutter, 
April  2d. 

John  J.  Collins  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  George  O. 
Hovey,  April  2d. 

James  Manning  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Adelia  Hart- 
well,  April  2d. 

Schooner  EXCHANGE,  lost  at  Cow  Bay,  in  August,  while  on  a 
trip  to  the  Western  Bank.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Walen  &  Allen. 
Valued  at  $1,300  ;  insured  with  outfit  for  $1,138. 

Schooner  LIZZIE  A.  TARR,  lost  off  Manitau,  on  the  Labrador 
shore,  October  15th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  William  C.  Wonson. 
Valued  at  $7,300  ;  insured  with  outfit  for  $6,800. 

Schooner  ELSINEUR,  engaged  in  mackerel  fishing  in  the  Bay  of 
St.  Lawrence,  went  ashore  at  Argyle,  in  September,  but  was  got  off 
and  afterwards  burned  on  her  passage  home.  Owned  by  Solomon 
Poole.     Crew  saved.     Valued  at  $1,700  ;  insured  for  $1,487. 

Schooner  RIVER  QUEEN  was  lost  with  twelve  men,  while  return- 
ing from  a  Greenland  halibut  trip,  viz. :  George  Robinson,  Master ; 
Albert  P.  Gove,  John  Everson,  Mark  Shears,  James  Leavenson, 
Charles  Brien,  William  McKenzie,  and  five  others  shipped  at  Halifax, 
names  unknown.  Owned  by  Rowe  &  Jordan.  Valued  at  $7,900 ; 
insured  for  $6,912. 

Schooner  SAMUEL  E.  SAWYER  was  lost  April  21st,  while  on 
a  herring  voyage  to  the  Magdalene  Islands.  Crew  saved.  Owned 
by  Capt.  James  Gushing.     Valued  at  $6,760  ;  insured  for  $5,915. 

Schooner  OCEAN  BRIDE,  lost  off  Brace's  Cove,  Feb.  8th.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  John  and  Jesse  McCloud.  Valued  at  $1,800  ;  in- 
sured for  $1,500. 

Boat  ONWARD,  of  Lanesville,  was  burned  on  a  shore  fishing  trip. 
Crew  saved.     Valued  at  $200  ;  uninsured. 

Schooner  ARAB,  in  the  freighting  business,  was  lost  off  Cape  Cod, 
in  April.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Dodd,  Tarr  &  Co.  Valued  at  $700  ; 
insured  for  $550,  with  an  additional  insurance  of  $1,000,  on  cargo. 

Schooner  TWO-FORTY,  lost  in  January,  while  on  her  homeward 
passage  from  the  Grand  Banks.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Walen  & 
Allen.    Valued  at  $5,000  ;  insured  for  $4,200. 

Schooner  EDITH  WONSON,  lost  on  Western  Bank,  January  9th, 
with  twelve  men,  viz. :  Thomas  Harvey,  Master ;  Charles  Forbes, 
Henry  Walton,  John  F.  Bennett,  Robert  Fardy,  Llewellyn  Walsh, 


FISII£RMEN*8  MEMORIAL  AND  BECORD  BOOK.  47 

Henry  Leslie,  James  Ham,  Frederic  Newell,  John  Smith,  "William 
Atkins,  William  Hilcrdsch.  Owned  by  William  C.  Wonson.  Val- 
ued at  $8,500  ;  insured  with  outflt  for  87,763. 

Tlie  following  persons  were  lost  in  the  Bank  fisheries,  most  of  them 
while  visiting  their  trawls : 

John  Peterson  was  lost  overboard  from  schooner  Tivano,  in  Jan- 
uary ;  Caft.  John  Poweks,  from  the  Yo  Semite,  in  January ;  Capt. 
"Wm.  Jeffrey  and  John  Phalen,  from  the  Henry  A.  Johnson,  in 
January ;  Stephen  Nelson  and  Charles  Anderson,  from  the  Mary 
Carlisle,  March  25th,  and  Laers  Peterson  from  the  same  vessel  in 
November ;  George  Searle  and  Nicholas  "Wilson,  from  the  B.  F. 
Somes,  in  May  ;  Michael  Key  and  Thomas  McKay,  from  the  M.  L. 
"Wetherell,  in  May ;  Finley  McFadden,  from  the  same  in  November ; 
Henry  Beaton  antl  John  Stewart,  from  the  Laura  A.  Burnham, 
in  May  ;  Reuben  Mayo,  from  the  Alaska,  in  May  ;  Thomas  Hamilton, 
from  the  George  H.  Pierson,  Dec.  5th. 

Pa TKicK  McGiNNis  and  Jasper  Quinn  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence, 
from  schooner  Glenwood,  in  July. 

Eddie  "Wharf,  son  of  Capt.  Eliphalet  "Wharf,  was  lost  from  schooner 
'Sarah  C.  "Wharf,  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  September. 

Joseph  Plaimenta,  was  lost  from  schooner  E.  L.  Rowe,  off  Dennis- 
port,  June  5th. 

John  Logde  was  drowned  in  the  cabin  of  the  Angle  S.  Friend, 
which  was  capsized  in  Boston  Harbor,  Feb.  5th.  The  vessel  was 
afterwards  raised  and  repaired. 

1872. 

Sixty-three  lives  and  twelve  vessels  were  lost  this  j'^ear,  as  follows : 
four  vessels  in  the  Bank  fishery,  seven  in  the  shore,  and  one  Geor- 
gesman. 

Schooner  MESSENGER  was  lost  on  "Western  Bank,  in  January, 
with  twelve  men,  viz. :  Timothy  Osier,  Master ;  Thomas  "W.  Gray, 
Peter  Singer,  John  Flaherty,  George  Robinson,  Levi  Clark,  William 
L.  King,  William  C.  Goodenow,  Henry  G.  Blanchard,  Albion  P. 
Blake,  Thomas  Clark,  Albert  Hall.  Owned  by  J.  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Valued  at  $7,000  ;  insured  for  86,625. 

Schooner  SOUTHERN  CROSS,  engaged  in  the  Grand  Bank  fish- 
cry,  lost  in  the  ice  ofif  Newfoundland,  March  12th.  Crew  saved. 
Owned  by  Rowe  &  Jordan.     Valued  at  $7,000  ;  -insured  for  $6,125. 

Schooner  FRANKLIN  SNOW,  lost  on  Grand  Banks,  with  twelve 
men,  in  March,  viz. :  Charles  P.  Jewett,  Master ;  Benjamin  S. 
Jewett  (his  brother),   Walter  G.  Jewett   (their  cousin)   Horace  P. 


48  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Moore,  Moses  J.  Moore,  all  of  Westport,  Me. ;  William  Bushy, 
Alfred  Lawsou,  Henry  Olsen,  George  Jewers,  Henry  Lambert,  Peter 
Conway,  James  G.  Anderson.  Owned  by  George  Steele.  Valued  at 
$6,700  ;  insured  for  85,926. 

Schooner  WHITE  EAGLE,  lost  on  Grand  Banks,  in  April,  with 
twelve  men,  viz. :  Nelson  Goodwin,  Master ;  Warren  Goodwin  and 
James  Goodwin  (brothers  to  the  master),  Samuel  Goodwin  and  Asa 
Goodwin  (brothers),  Jedediah  Goodwin,  Simeon  Goodwin,  David 
Hines,  all  of  Argyle,  N.  S. ;  Thomas  Parsons,  Leander  M.  Cook,  of 
Rockport ;  James  D.  Burnham,  Joseph  Bowden.  Owned  by  Rowe  & 
Jordan.    Valued  at  $8,000  ;  insured  for  $7,125. 

The  following  persons  were  also  lost  in  the  Bank  fisheries,  the 
greater  portion  while  visiting  their  trawls : 

James  Downy  and  Richard  Kelly,  of  Guysboro',  N.  S.,  were  lost 
from  schooner  Mary  Low,  on  Western  Bank,  in  March. 

William  J.  McKay,  of  this  town,  and  Patrick  O'Brien,  of  New- 
foundland, from  the  George  O.  Hovey,  March  12th. 

Stephen  McCobb,  of  Friendship,  Me.,  and  Pierce  Wotton,  of 
this  town,  on  Western  Bank,  April  3d,  from  the  Ocean  Belle. 

Thomas  McGowan,  of  Boston,  and  William  Cuick,  of  La  Have, 
N.  S.,  on  Grand  Banks,  March  21st,  from  the  John  Smith. 

George  T.  Sanford,  of  Deer  Isle,  Me.,  and  Alex.  McDonald,  of 
Prince  Edward  Island,  on  Grand  Banks,  April  11th,  from  the  M.  L, 
Wetherell. 

Oliver  Johnson,  of  this  town,  of  the  Mary  Carlisle,  from  a  dory  in 
Belle  Harbor,  N.  F.,  June  3d. 

William  Safford,  of  St.  John's,  N.  B.,  from  the  William  Parsons, 
2d,  on  St.  Peter's  Bank,  July  27th. 

Reuben  Pierce,  of  Boothbay,  Me.,  from  the  Annie  Linwood,  on 
Western  Bank,  December  13th. 

Schooner  MATCHLESS,  lost  on  Georges,  in  March,  with  ^en 
men,  viz. :  Abraham  Gilware,  Master ;  David  Goodro,  John  White, 
John  Laseur,  Frank  Smith,  Thomas  Sampson,  Alphonso  Edwards, 
Thomas  Anderson,  Jaffrey  White,  James  Tarr.  Owned  by  Sidney 
Friend  &  Bro.    Valued  at  $7,200  ;  insured  for  $6,350. 

Schooner  HERMAN  E.  POOL  broke  from  her  moorings  and 
drifted  out  of  the  harbor,  and  was  lost  in  a  violent  snow-storm,  Feb. 
3d.  Owned  by  Capt.  Samuel  G.  Pool  and  Joseph  Friend.  Valued 
at  $5,700  ;  insured  for  $4,988. 

Schooner  JOSEPHINE  sprank  aleak  and  sank  off  Portland,  May 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  49 

25th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Peter  Hanson.  Valued  at  $2,000 ; 
insured  for  S  1,500. 

Schooner  GEORGE  W.  CLIFFORD,  sunk  off  Ilarpswell^  Me., 
July  2d.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Jeremiah  R.  Cook.  VaUied  at 
$1,200  ;  insured  for  81,000. 

Schooner  TIVANO,  lost  on  Green  Island  Ledge,  off  Portland, 
July  17th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  John  F.  Wonson  &  Co.  Valued 
at  $1,500  ;  insured  for  $1,394. 

Schooner  SIGNAL,  run  down  and  sunk  off  ^latinicus,  Aug.  30th. 
Crew  saved.  Owned  by  George  Brown  &  Co.  Valued  at  $900 ;  in* 
Bured  for  8813. 

Schooner  WILLLA.M  WALWORTH,  lost  on  'Squam  Bar,  October 
23d.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  the  master,  Capt.  Owen  Jones,  and 
William  Parsons,  2d  &  Co.    Valued  at  $5,500  ;  insured  for  $4,875. 

Schooner  ADA  L.  HARRIS,  lost  on  Nantucket  Shoals,  November 
Ist.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Capt.  John  Blatchford.  Valued  at 
$2,700  ;  insured  for  $2,400. 

Caleb  Coops,  of  this  town,  was  lost  on  Georges,  from  the  Edward 
Everett,  March  2d. 

James  McIxtosh,  of  this  town,  and  Charles  Wells,  of  Manches- 
ter, were  lost  from  the  Oceanus,  in  the  shore  winter  fishery,  March 
15th. 

James  S.  Hctchtns,  of  Edgecomb,  Me.,  lost  from  the  General 
Grant,  on  the  homeward  passage  from  Newfoundland,  January  17th. 

1873,  to  JULY  1. 

Up  to  the  above  date,  comprising  the  first  six  months  of  the  year, 
there  have  been  twelve  vessels  and  forty-one  lives  lost.  Six  vessels 
were  lost  in  the  shore  fishery,  two  in  the  Newfoundland  herring  busi- 
ness, one  in  the  Grand  Manan,  one  Western  Banker,  one  Georges- 
man,  and  one  in  the  fruiting  business. 

Schooner  ADDISON  GILBERT,  Capt.  Jameson,  engaged  in  the 
shore  winter  fishery,  was  run  into  while  on  her  way  out  of  Portsmouth 
Harbor,  January  6th,  by  sloop  M.  M.  Hamilton,  of  Portland,  and 
sunk.  The  crew  had  barely  time  to  get  on  board  the  sloop,  saving 
only  what  they  had  on.  The  vessel  was  a  total  loss.  Owned  by 
David  Low  &  Co.    Valued  at  $2,G00  ;  insured  for  $2,275. 

Schooner  FRANKLIN  A.,  Capt.  David  Melanson,  was  run  down 
by  schooner  E.  B.  Phillips,  on  fhe  evening  of  January  17th,  off  Falk- 
land Island,  Long  Island  Sound.  The  Phillips  struck  the  Franklin 
A.  nearly  amidships,  carrying  away  both  masts,  and  cutting  through 


50  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

the  hull,  and  she  sank  almost  immediately.  Capt.  Melanson,  and  the 
mate,  Roderick  Dj'er,  were  knocked  overboard  by  the  shock  of  the 
colliding  vessels,  and  were  in  the  water  some  time  before  they  were 
rescued,  narrowly  escaping  a  watery  grave.  Owned  by  John  F.  Won- 
son  &  Co.,  and  the  captain.     Valued  at  $6,000  ;  insured  for  $5,500. 

Schooner  GEORGE  STEELE,  in  the  fruiting  business,  was  lost 
in  the  gale  of  January  13th,  sixty  miles  from  Baracoa.  Crew  saved. 
Owned-  by  George  Steele.     Valued  at  $7,300  ;  insured  for  $6,300. 

Schooner  MARY  T.  YOUNG,  in  the  shore  winter  fishery,  went 
ashore  February  1st,  three  miles  below  Race  Point,  and  became  a 
total  loss.     Crew  saved.     Valued  at  $1,200  ;  insured  for  $1,000. 

Schooner  THORWALDSEN  left  Newfoundland  for  Gloucester, 
Feb.  18th,  with  a  cargo  of  frozen  herring,  and  never  reached  port. 
Had  a  crew  of  seven  men,  as  follows :  George  W.  Phillips,  Master ; 
William  S.  Callahan,  mate ;  John  Gorratt,  Ronald  McEachren,  John 
Crittenden,  Donald  McDonald,  William  Smith.  Owned  by  Capt. 
James  R.  Hamilton  and  others.  Valued  at  $7,800 ;  insured  for 
$6,825. 

Boat  GARIBALDI  was  lost  in  Ipswich  Baj'^,  March  11th.  Crew 
saved.  Owned  by  George  W.  Morgan  and  Levi  Lane,  of  Lanesv^ille. 
Valued  at  $300  ;  no  insurance. 

Schooner  J.  H.  ORNE  was  lost  on  Georges,  in  March.  Crew  of 
eleven  men,  viz. :  Matthew  A.  Nickerson,  Master ;  Frank  Rose,  John 
Berry,  Frank  M.  Silva,  Manuel  Rogers,  John  Williams,  Manuel 
Roberts,  E.  F.  Terry,  Manuel  .T.  Morris,  Joseph  Morris,  Manuel 
Veader.  Owned  by  Samuel  Lane  &  Brother.  Valued  at  $6,500  ;  in- 
sured for  $5,500. 

Boat  O'CONNELL,  engaged  in  the  shore  fishery,  was  lost  near  the 
Powder  Hole,  Cape  Cod,  May  14th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  and  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Thomas  Sullivan.     Valued  at  $800  ;  no  insurance. 

Schooner  WILLIAM  J.  DALE  sailed  for  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New- 
foundland, in  November,  and  started  for  home,  but  never  reached 
port.  Had  a  crew  of  nine  men,  viz. :  Murdock  McNeil,  Master ;  Pe- 
ter Flynn,  James  Scott,  John  Conway,  Adalbert  Gilley,  James  Cook, 
James  Lawler,  and  two  men,  names  unknown.  Valued  at  $5,800, 
on  which  is  claimed  an  insurance  of  $5,500. 

Schooner  LAURA  A.  BURNHAM,  in  the  Western  Bank  fishery, 
was  lost  on  Sable  Island,  May  27th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  James 
Mansfield  &  Son.  Valued  with  her  outfit  at  $7,500;  insured  for 
$6,488. 

Schooner  BELVIDERE,  shore  mackereling,  lost  on  Benton's  reef 


FISnERMEN'S  JIEMOniAL  AND  RECOUD  BOOK.  51 

near  Newport,  R.  I.,  June  4th.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  Dnnicl 
Say  ward.    Valued  with  outQt  at  S2,300  ;  insured  for  82,075. 

Schooner  EMPIRE  STATE,  Capt.  Stephen  Smith,  in  the  shore 
mackerel  fishery,  went  ashore  at  Cape  Porpoise,  June  30th,  and  became 
a  total  loss.  Crew  saved.  Owned  by  the  master,  and  otiicrs.  Val- 
ued with  her  outfit  at  84,000  ;  insured  for  83,503. 

The  following  persons  were  lost  in  the  Bank  fisheries,  the  greater 
portion  of  them  meeting  their  death  while  visiting  their  trawls : 

AxTnoNT  Amroe  was  lost  from  schooner  Elisha  Crowd  1,  on  Wes- 
tern Bank,  January  22d ;  Michael  Caulton,  from  the  Aaron  Burn- 
ham,  2d,  March  22d,  while  on  the  passage  to  Grand  Banks  ;  Aucni- 
nALD  Beaton  and  Bexj.  Carpenter,  from  the  Sarah  P.  Aycr,  March 
14th ;  Leverett  Lelaxd  and  Charles  O.  Dale,  from  the  Tragabig- 
zanda,  March  24th  ;  Edward  "White,  from  the  Ilattie  S.  Clark,  May 
18th ;  Patrick  Murphy  and  Charles  McPherson,  from  the  Ruth 
Groves,  May  2d  ;  Wm.  W.  Colby  and  Charles  M.  Greenleaf,  from 
the  Peter  D.  Smith,  June  11th. 

Thomas  Olevrson,  one  of  the  crew  of  the  Esther  Ward,  died  very 
suddenly,  of  heart  complaint,  on  Georges,  June  13th.  lie  was  bait- 
ing his  hook  at  the  time,  when  he  dropped  on  deck  and  almost  im- 
mediately expired. 

James  Foran,  of  the  Water  Spirit,  was  drowned  at  Port  Dover, 
N.  S.,  Ma}'  28th,  by  the  capsizing  of  a  boat. 

Capt.  Duncan  Grant,  of  the  Finance,  was  lost  on  Georges,  Feb- 
ruary 18th. 

The  foregoing  losses  show  an  aggregate  of  12G5  lives  and  280  ves- 
sels lost  during  the  past  42  1-2  years.  Of  this  number,  93  vessels  and 
708  lives  were  lost  in  the  Georges  fishery ;  19  vessels  and  209  lives 
in  the  Grand  and  Western  Bank  fisheries ;  56  vessels  and  107  lives 
in  the  shore  cod  and  mackerel  fisheries ;  48  vessels  and  93  lives  in 
the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence  mackerel  fishery  ;  19  vessels  and  G8  lives  in 
the  Newfoundland  herring  fishery  ;  34  vessels  and  Go  lives  in  the 
freighting  business ;  2  vessels  in  the  Grand  Manan  herring  fishery  ; 
1  vessel  and  12  lives  in  the  Greenland  halibut  fishery ;  6  vessels 
burnt  by  pirate  Tacony  ;  1  pilot  boat  lost  in  the  harbor.  Of  the  280 
vessels  lost,  the  crews  of  147  (a  little  more  than  half)  were  saved. 
The  loss  of  life  and  property  on  Georges  is  upwards  of  one  half  the 
entire  loss.  The  total  value  of  the  vessels  lost  is  $1,145,500,  on 
which  there  was  an  insurance  of  8839,525,  mostly  in  the  local  oflSces. 


52 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


In  adiition  to  the  above  are  the  partial  losses,  losses  of  cables,  an- 
chors, etc.,  which  cannot  be  reckoned  less  than  $150,000,  making  the 
total  loss,  $1,295,500. 

As  no  record  of  the  number  of  widows  and  orphans  made  by  these 
losses  was  kept  previous  to  1858,  it  is  impossible  to  get  at  the  cor- 
rect number,  but  taking  an  average  of  the  past  twelve  years,  it  would 
give  ten  widows  and  twenty  fatherless  children  yearly,  or  a  total  of 
422  widows  and  844  children.  The  losses  average  28  lives  and  6 
vessels  yearly. 


Errata. — In  the  heading  of  this  chapter,  the  nmnher  of  lives  lost  is  stated  J  251 — num. 
ber  of  vessels,  281.  After  the  first  pages  •were  printed,  additional  losses  of  life  were  ascer- 
tained, -which  increased  the  total  number  to  1265,  as  shown  by  the  table  on  the  next  page. 
One  schooner,  not  owned  here,  has  also  been  taken  from  the  list,  making  the  correct  num- 
ber of  vessels  lost,  280,  as  per  table. 


^^..-._^-.. 


FISHERMEN  8  MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK. 


TABLE  OF  RECAPITULATION. 


Tear. 

.  lira. 

VetMla. 

ValuikUon. 

IiMuraoc«. 

1880 

7 

3 

$5,600 

$3,100 

1882 

1,000 

1838 

1,000 

1834 

4 

1,500 

1836 

1,000 

1837 

24 

10,100 

6,800 

1838 

4 

7,100 

3,000 

1889 

4 

2 

8,800 

8,160 

1840   • 

6 

2 

8,800 

1,400 

1841 

8 

2 

2,725 

150 

1842 

3 

2,000 

150 

1848 

10 

3 

6,000 

2,000 

1844 

7 

3 

4,800 

1,500 

1845 

7 

4 

4,500 

2,850 

1846 

15 

3 

4,900 

8,600 

1847 

3 

6,200 

4,450 

1849 

10 

2 

3,rj00 

2,200 

1850 

39 

4 

12,500 

10,300 

1851 

32 

9 

17.300 

14,800 

1852 

82 

13 

41,800 

36,700 

1853 

3 

10,000 

8,800 

1854 

26 

4 

14,600 

12,650 

1855 

21 

7 

20,900 

16,100 

1856 

2 

6 

14,400 

11.475 

1857 

9 

5 

11,500 

7,750 

1858 

42 

7 

18,700 

8,537 

1859 

36 

6 

21,900 

16,475 

1860 

73 

7 

26,350 

20,494 

1861 

44 

15 

54,250 

43,880 

1862 

162 

19 

66,500 

53,225 

1863 

6 

9 

38,000 

8,300 

1864 

85 

13 

79,900 

50,525 

1865 

11 

8 

40,300 

32,400 

1866 

26 

15 

114,250 

82,095 

1867 

66 

11 

82,675 

59,009 

1868 

40 

4 

35,000 

28,150 

1869 

66 

16 

83,450 

54,137 

1870 

97 

13 

75,200 

59,907 

1871 

140 

19 

89,000 

77,259 

1872 

63 

12 

55,400 

49,121 

1873 

41 

12 

52,100 

45,026 

Total, 

1,265 

280 

81,145,500 

8839.525 

54  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


On  Georges  in  the  Terrible  Gale  of  February  24th, 

1862.    The  experience  of  one  who  was  there 

for  the  &st  and  the  last  time. 

[Among  the  crew  of  one  of  the  Georgesmen  which  escaped  the  ter- 
rible perils  of  the  gale  of  February  24th,  1862,  was  a  young  man 
from  one  of  our  inland  cities,  who  had  made  several  trips  mackereling, 
in  the  summer  months,  where  he  had  heard  the  "  veterans  "  talk  of 
the  perils  of  the'  Georges  fishery.  These  stories,  told  with  the  gusto, 
of  first-class  yarn  spinners,  kindled  within  him  a  strong  desire  to  go 
on  one  of  these  trips,  which  he  did,  and  as  it  happened,  he  got  an 
experience  which  will  last  him  a  life-time.  We  gleaned  from  him  the 
following  narrative  of  that  terrible  event,  which  we  publish  almost 
verbatim.] 

The  winter  of  1862  found  me  out  of  employment,  and  I  determined 
to  gratify  my  long  pent-up  inclination  of  going  to  Georges.  It  was 
early  in  February.  The  weather  had  been  extremely  mild  for  the 
season,  and  there  were  busy  times  at  the  wharves  in  Gloucester,  fit- 
ting away  the  vessels,  some  of  which  had  already  sailed,  and  many 
were  nearly  ready. 

Upon  going  to  the  fitting-out  store  of  Messrs. ,  I  was  cor- 
dially received.  They  were  surprised  to  learn  that  I  wanted  to  go  to 
Georges,  and  endeavored  to  dissuade  me  from  my  purpose ;  but  all  of 
no  avail,  and  as  they  had  a  vessel  which  would  be  ready  to  sail  in  a 
day  or  two,  told  me  I  could  have  a  chance  in  her.  Procuring  the 
necessary  additions  to  my  outfit,  I  entered  heartily  into  the  work  of 
getting  our  craft  in  readiness.  The  ice-house  in  the  hold  was  filled 
with  the  crystal  blocks,  the  cable  and  anchors  overhauled,  gurry-pens 
placed  in  position,  bate  of  fresh  herring  packed  in  the  ice,  provisions 
taken  care  of,  and  the  vessel  put  in  a  taut  and  strong  condition. 

On  the  morning  of  February  14th,  we  started,  and,  in  a  glorious 
run  of  twenty-four  hours,  sighted  the  fleet  on  the  Banks  —  nearly  a 
hundred  sail,  riding  at  their  anchors,  half  a  mile,  and  in  some  instan- 
ces, a  mile  apart.  It  was  a  pretty  sight,  and  the  fine,  clear  weather, 
rendered  it  highly  enjoyable.    We  could  distinctly  see  the  men  at 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  55 

the  rail  pulling  in  flsh,  rapidly  as  hands  and  arras  could  move.  Soon 
our  position  was  selected,  anchor  down,  and  the  crew  busy  getting 
ready  to  try  their  luck. 

The  cold,  to  one  of  my  constitution,  was  intense,  and  pierced  into 
the  very  marrow  of  my  bones,  although  thickly  clothed.  But  this 
deep  sea  fishing  was  so  exciting  that  T  stood  at  the  rail  sometimes  u 
full  hour,  without  changing  my  position,  pulling  in  the  big  codfish, 
and  occasionally  a  halibut.  It  was  a  moment  of  supreme  gratifica- 
tion when  I  hauled  in  my  first  fish  of  the  latter  species,  and  saw  him 
floating  alongside  with  the  hook  securely  fastened  in  his  mouth. 
One  of  the  crew  helped  mo  to  gaff  him  over  the  rail,  and  I  felt  myself 
master  of  the  situation.  Our  steward,  a  Portuguese,  was  a  clever 
fellow,  and,  in  honor  of  my  first  halibut,  brought  me  a  mugful  of  hot 
^coflee,  and  a  pancake  with  plums  in  it,  called  by  the  fishermen  a  "  joe- 
flogger."  Pulling  in  these  big  fish  from  so  many  fathoms  down, 
against  a  strong  tide,  was  work  I  was  not  accustomed  to,  and  glad 
enough  was  I,  after  partaking  of  a  hearty  supper,  to  turn  into  my 
bunk,  and  be  lulled  to  sleep  by  the  tossing  of  the  billows. 

The  crew  were  a  jolly  set,  and  for  several  days  the  weather  was 
fine,  the  fish  abundant,  and  the  fun  immense.  "We  had  changed  our 
berth  twice,  each  time  drawing  nearer  to  the  body  of  the  fleet,  and 
each  time  found  the  fish  more  plentiful.  I  began  to  think  that  the 
Georges  fishery,  after  all,  was  not  so  bad  as  it  had  been  represented, 
although  it  used  to  fret  me  exceedingly  to  see  so  many  of  the  vessels 
lying  so  near  together,  knowing  full  well  that,  in  case  of  a  sudden 
storm  and  they  dragged  their  anchors,  chafed  off  their  cables  and 
went  adrift,  collision  would  be  inevitable.  But  there  being  no  appar- 
ent danger,  I  dismissed  the  thought  in  keeping  busy. 

We  now  had  more  than  half  a  fare,  and  the  skipper  remarked,  one 
afternoon,  as  he  lit  his  pipe  :  — 

"  Boys,  if  our  luck  holds  on,  by  another  week  we'll  think  of  putting 
our  craft  on  the  homeward  track," 

This  was  cheering,  and  wc  finished  up  the  day  with  a  good  catch. 
At  sundown,  there  was  quite  a  sudden  change  in  the  weather.  The 
clouds  massed,  and  the  rising  wind  made  the  sea  rough.  All  signs 
indicated  an  approaching  storm.  It  was  a  wild-looking  night ;  the 
vessels  tossed  up  and  down  like  cockle-shells.  At  eight  o'clock  the 
skipper  began  to  get  uneasy.  He  kept  looking  up  at  the  sk}',  and 
then  glanced  along  the  horizon.     Ben,  my  chum,  whispered  to  me ;  — 

"  Depend  on  it,  we're  going  to  have  a  tough  one  out  of  this,  and  I 
shouldn't  wonder  if  you  had  a  chance  to  see  more  o'  Georges  than 


66  fishermen's  memobial  and  kecord  book. 

you'll  ever  want  to  see  ag*!!!.  I've  been  with  the  old  man  half-a-doz- 
en years,  and  when  I  see  him  walkin'  and  lookin'  that  way,  I  make 
up  my  mind  that  som'thin's  goin'  to  happen." 

By  this  time,  the  sky  had  grown  inky-black,  the  wind  had  veered 
to  the  northeast,  and  was  increasing  in  violence.  It  began  to  snow 
—  moderately  at  first,  then  more  fiercely  fell  the  white  flakes.  The 
skipper  went  forward  and  examined  the  cable,  then  gave  orders  to 
pay  out  some  ten  fathoms  or  more,  which  was  done.  Our  lights  in 
the  rigging  had  been  lit  since  sundown,  and  all  about  us  were  the 
lights  of  the  fleet,  looking  so  prettily,  as  they  danced  up  and  down 
with  the  motion  of  the  vessel.  The  skipper,  upon  being  asked  what 
he  thought,  replied  :  — 

"  We'll  have  a  tough  time  'tween  now  and.  morning,  and  the  watch 
must  keep  a  sharp  look-out  for  drifting  vessels.  If  the  rest  of  you 
want  to  take  a  nap,  do  it  now,  as  there  won't  be  much  sleeping  a 
couple  of  hours  from  now." 

All  hands  except  the  watch,  went  below  at  about  half-past  eight 
o'clock.  I  could  not  remain  there,  but  kept  going  on  deck.  It  was 
something  new  and  terrible  to  me,  and  as  I  was  well  wrapped,  I  did 
not  suff"er  much  from  the  wet  and  cold.  But  I  did  feel  anxious,  and 
I  would  have  given  all  I  possessed,  were  I  safely  at  home.  But  wish- 
ing was  of  no  avail  —  here  I  was,  and  I  must  take  my  chance  with  the 
rest.  We  can  die  but  once,  thought  I,  and  I  began  to  have  serious 
thoughts.  Not  that  I  was  afraid  of  death  —  no,  that  was  not  the  feel- 
ing —  but  there  was  07ie  at  home  whom  I  wanted  to  see,  and,  holding 
her  hand  in  mine,  I  should  have  been  better  reconciled.  But  per- 
haps it  is  as  well  not  to  tell  all  my  thoughts  at  that  fearful  time. 
We  have  singular  fancies  in  hours  of  danger. 

It  was  now  about  eleven  o'clock.  The  wind  had  risen  fearfully, 
the  snow  came,  down  spitefully,  and  the  sea  rose  higher  than  I  had 
ever  supposed  it  possible  for  it  to  rise,  and  was  covered  with  snowy 
caps  of  foam.  The  sensation  of  being  tossed  up  and  down  so  vio- 
lently, together  with  the  darkness  and  the  storm,  were  not  pleasing, 
and  it  seemed  to  me,  that  every  plunge  the  vessel  made  would  be 
her  last. 

As  midnight  drew  near  the  gale  increased  fearfully.  I  had  never 
experienced  anj^thing  so  terrific  before,  and  the  stories  which  were 
told  on  board  the  mackerel-catcher  now  assumed  a  more  truthful  as- 
pect. How  the  winds  shrieked  through  the  cordage,  and  the  waves 
leaped,  seemingly  impatient  to  add  us  to  the  many  victims  which 
have  been  swallowed  up  on  this  treacherous  spot !     My  shipmates 


fishermen's  biemorial  and  record  dook.  57 

showed  no  signs  of  fear ;  they  were  now  all  on  deck,  and  tlio  skip- 
per was  keeping  a  sharp  lookout.  Ben  was  also  on  the  alert,  and 
had  placed  a  hatchet  near  the  windlass,  to  be  in  readiness  should  it 
be  deemed  necessary  to  cut  our  cable.  As  he  camo  near  where  I  was 
standing,  he  very  coolly  remarked  "that  if  wo  did  not  break  adrift 
ourselves,  or  some  other  vessel  didn't  run  into  us,  ho  thought  we 
might  ride  it  out."  To  mo  it  seemed  an  utter  impossibility  for  any 
vessel  to  stand  such  a  gale,  but  I  said  nothing.  The  great  danger 
to  be  apprehended  was  from  collision,  as  in  case  that  cither  ourselves 
or  some  other  of  the  fleet  lost  their  anchor  or  parted  their  cable, 
away  they  would  go  with  fearful  speed  ;  then  if  they  struck  another 
craft,  good-bye  to  both  of  them  —  there  was  not  the  slightest  hope  for 
either. 

*  The  darkness  was  impenetrable,  and  a  more  dismal  night  I  never 
passed.  How  I  longed  for  morning  to  dawn.  Once  in  a  while  the 
storm  would  lull  for  a  little  time,  and  the  snow  did  not  fall  so  thick- 
ly;  then  we  could  see  some  of  the  lights  of  the  fleet;  but  this  was 
not  often.  We  knew  the  situation  ere  the  storm  came  on,  but  now 
we  must  wait  till  daylight.  The  hours  dragged  heavily  along  —  anx- 
ious hours  they  were.  They  are  indelibly  impressed  on  my  memory, 
and  will  not  be  eflaced  until  death  claims  me.  During  the  night,  a 
large  vessel  passed  quite  near  us.  "We  could  see  her  lights,  also  her 
spars  and  sails,  as  she  sped  swiftly  along  on  the  wings  of  the  storm. 
Glad  enough  were  we,  to  have  her  pass  us,  and  I  trembled  at  the 
thought  of  our  fate,  had  she  struck  our  little  craft.  When  I  learned 
of  the  terrible  disaster  of  the  gale,  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that  this 
vessel  was  the  cause  of  some  portion  of  it. 

At  length  the  east  began  to  lighten  ;  morning  was  coming.  What 
a  relief  it  was  when  the  day  dawned  !  Our  danger  was  not  over,  for 
the  gale  still  continued,  but  there  was  a  comfort  which  the  light 
brought,  that  did  mo  good.  The  fearful  darkness  of  the  night,  and 
that  terrible  uncertainty  was  relieved,  as  we  could  now  see  our  posi- 
tion, and  could  now  the  better  guard  against  the  threatening  dangers. 
Om-  vigilance  was  not  relaxed.  We  had  something  to  eat,  and  then 
kept  up  our  watching,  for  the  storm  still  continued  its  fury.  Some- 
where about  nine  o'clock,  the  skipper  sang  out,  "  There's  a  vessel 
adrift  right  ahead  of  us  1  stand  by  with  your  hatchet,  but  don't  cut 
till  you  hear  the  word  I  " 

Ben  was  there  at  his  post.  He  could  be  trusted  at  such  a  time,  and 
would  await  orders  —  this  all  on  board  knew  full  well.     All  eyes  were 


58  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

now  bent  on  the  drifting  craft.  On  she  came  !  It  was  a  fearful  mo- 
ment to  me,  and  it  was  evident  that  the  men  —  some  of  whom  had  fol- 
lowed Georges  fishing  for  ten  seasons,  thought  there  was  danger  now 
—  but  they  were  not  afraid.  There  they  stood,  determined  to  do  their 
best  for  their  lives.  I  knew  I  should  share  the  same  fate  with  them, 
and  there  was  some  consolation  even  in  this.  The  drifting  vessel 
was  coming  directly  for  us  ;  a  moment  more,  and  the  signal  to  cut 
must  be  given  !  "With  the  swiftness  of  a  gull  she  passed  by,  so  near 
that  I  could  have  leaped  aboard,  just  clearing  us,  and  we  were  saved 
from  that  danger,  thank  God  !  The  hopeless,  terror-stricken  faces  of 
the  crew  we  saw  but  a  moment,  as  they  went  on  to  certain  death. 
We  watched  the  doomed  craft,  as  she  sped  on  her  course.  She  struck 
one  of  the  fleet,  a  short  distance  astern,  and  we  saV  the  watei-s  close 
over  both  vessels,  almost  instantly,  and  as  we  gazed,  they  both  dis- 
appeared. Then  we  knew  that  two  vessels  of  the  fleet  would  never 
again  return  to  port.  • 

We  had  little  time  to  think  of  others,  as  we  began  to  drag  our  an- 
chors, and  yaw  about  too  much  for  safety.  This  was  dangerous  in 
the  extreme,  for  if  the  anchors  did  not  take  hold  again,  we  must  cut 
the  cables,  and,  once  adrift,  we  knew  our  fate.  Fortunately,  the  an- 
chors found  holding  ground,  and  we  rode  again  in  safety. 

All  through  the  day  we  watched.  Twice  wrfs  our  safety  endangered 
by  vessels  adrift,  but  they  went  clear.  We  were  saved !  At  sundown 
the  gale  moderated,  but  we  knew  that  many  a  poor  fellow  who  had 
left  Gloucester  full  of  hope,  would  never  more  return  ;  that  many  a 
wife  would  never  again  see  her  husband,  and  mothers  and  brothers 
and  sisters  would  have  cause  to  remember  the  terrible  gale  which 
had  swept  so  fearfully  over  the  Georges. 

I  was  on  nettles  all  next  day,  as  I  thought  the  skipper  would  im- 
mediately start  for  home.  But  judge  of  my  surprise  to  see  the  men 
coolly  get  their  lines  in  readiness  for  fishing,  just  as  though  there  had 
been  no  storm,  no  danger  or  peril  but  a  few  hours  ago.  This  was 
indeed  intensely  practical.  They  smoked  and  talked  of  getting  a 
fare  with  so  much  coolness,  that  it  really  seemed  terrible  to  me. 
"  Supposing  we  should  catch  another  gale  —  what  then  ?  "  I  received 
for  a  reply,  that  "  they  had  come  to  get  a  trip  of  fish ;  I,  to  see  how 
I  liked  Georges."  We  fished  through  the  week,  had  good  luck,  and 
it  was  a  happy  moment  when  the  skipper  said,  "  Get  the  anchor ; 
we'll  turn  her  nose  homeward."  Eastern  Point  Light,  when  first 
sighted,  looked  cheering  and  friendly.  As  we  passed  in  by  the  Fort, 
there  was  a  crowd  of  people,  and  as  thej'  saw  our  vessel's  name,  there 


nSUEiniEX'S  MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK. 


59 


was  rejoicing.  Several  came  on  board  asking  if  wo  had  seen  such  a 
vessel  since  the  gale.  The  town  was  in  commotion.  Such  anxiety 
I  hope  never  again  to  witness. 

When  the  vessel  camo  alongside  the  wharf,  I  put  my  luggage  out, 
and  concluded  not  to  repeat  the  experiment  of  making  a  trip  to 
Georges  in  midwinter.  "When  I  got  home,  tlioy  told  me  I  had  grown 
much  older  in  the  few  weeks  of  my  absence.  What  I  experienced 
during  that  night  and  day  of  storm  was  enough  to  make  any  one, 
especially  a  green  hand,  grow  old.  I  have  no  wish  to  try  it  again. 
If  the  reader  wishes  a  similar  experience,  perhaps  it  would  be  well 
for  him  to  take  a  trip,  but^I  advise  all  such  to  moke  their  wills  ere 
they  leave  port.   . 


60  fishermen's  MEIIOKIAL  AND  RECOED  BOOK. 


The  Mackerel  Fishery— Giving  an  Account  of  its 

Commencement  and  Progress,  with  Statistics  of 

the  Catch  for  the  past  Thirteen  Years. 

This  branch  of  the  fisheries,  which  has  now  assumed  such  magni- 
tude, has  quite  an  interesting  history,  which  we  have  gleaned  from 
parties  who  were  directly  interested,  and  know  whereof  they  affirm. 

It  was  first  prosecuted  by  the  small  boats,  about  the  year  1800. 
The  mackerel  were  caught  mostly  on  the  inner  Bank,  and  carried 
fresh  to  Boston  market  through  the  summer.  Only  the  largest  were 
saved,  and  these  were  sold  for  five  or  six  cents  apiece,  and  sometimes 
as  high  as  ten  cents.  Each  boat  was  ballasted  with  pebbles  ;  on  this 
were  placed  hogshead  tubs,  each  having  a  hole  with  a  plug  in  it. 
These  tubs  were  filled  with  salt  water,  and  as  soon  as  the  mackerel 
were  dressed,  they  were  put  into  the  tubs,  and  the  water  changed 
every  hour  by  drawing  the  plugs  and  allowing  it  to  run  off,  until  suflS- 
cient  were  caught  to  start  for  market,  the  changing  of  the  water  con- 
tinuing, until  the  boat  arrived  above  the  Castle,  where  it  is  said  the 
water  loses  its  coolness.  The  great  object  after  catching  the  mack- 
erel was  to  get  them  to  market  before  daj-light,  in  order  to  have  the 
cool  of  the  morning  to  sell  them  in.  If  a  boat  with  three  men  and 
two  boys  stocked  fifty  dollars  a  week,  it  was  considered  satisfactory. 


FISHERilEN'S  MEMORIAL  AND  IlECORD  BOOK.  61 

Tiailing  was  one  of  the  means  used  to  catch  mackerel  in  the  olden 
time,  and  one  of  our  old  fishermen  informs  us  that  whon  a  lad,  he 
distinctly  remembers  of  being  out  in  Boston  Bay,  one  day,  in  a  boat 
with  his  father,  when  he  saw  a  vessel  which  looked  very  strangely  to 
his  young  eyes,  and,  bo3Mike,  be  asked  his  father  what  sort  of  craft 
it  was. 

"That's  a  trailer,  my  boy,  and  we'll  speak  with  him,"  was  the  re- 

They  sailed  quite  near,  and  they  observed  that  the  vessel  had  out- 
riggers of  long  poles  on  each  side,  commencing  forward  at  about 
seventeen  feet,  and  tapering  off  to  five  feet  aft.  At  the  ends,  lines 
were  fastened,  about  twenty  fathoms  long,  with  a  sinker  of  four 
pounds,  and  hook  below.  To  each  of  these  Hues  were  attached  a 
bridle,  reaching  to  the  side  of  the  vessel,  where  the  fishermen  stood 
to  feel  the  bites.  This  particular  vessel  was  from  Ilingham,  and  had 
been  out  four  weeks  without  receiving  even  a  Wte,  and  the  skipper 
said  he  was  going  to  give  it  up  and  go  home. 

In  1812  a  large  school  of  Spanish  mackerel  visited  this  Bay,  and 
so  plenty  and  numerous  were  they,  that  they  would  bite  readily  at 
the  bare  hook,  and  seize  upon  small  bits  of  line  hanging  from  the 
vessel.  Standing-room  boats  were  then  mostly  in  use,  of  from  fifteen 
to  twenty  tons.  These  rooms  held  from  fifteen  to  twenty  barrels,  and 
the  crews  would  catch  them  full  in  a  few  hours.  Mr.  Timothy  Rog- 
ers, at  Rowc's  Bank,  bought  most  of  these  mackerel,  fresh,  after  being 
dressed,  at  two  cents  per  pound,  sailing  them  in  his  buildings,  and 
the  business,  which  lasted  two  months,  was  a  lively  one.  These  mack- 
erel did  not  continue  on  this  coast  but  a  few  years,  and  have  now 
almost  entirely  disappeared.  There  were  a  few  caught,  with  the  oth- 
er mackerel,  as  late  as  1825,  since  which  time  it  is  very  rare  to  see 
one  during  the  entire  season. 

The  present  mode  of  catching  mackerel  by  drifting  and  tolling 
with  bait,  did  not  come  into  general  use  until  after  1812.  The  gear 
for  catching,  previous  to  that,  was  a  white  hempen  bob  line,  as  it  was 
called,  and  the  style  of  fishing  was  termed  "  bobbing"  mackerel. 
These  lines  were  some  seven  fathoms  in  length,  with  a  leaden  sinker 
two  inches  long,  and  shaped  like  a  thin  pea-pod.  At  one  end  was  a 
ganging  about  a  foot  long,  for  the  hook.  Every  few  minutes  oQ 
would  go  the  hook,  and  extra  hooks  were  always  in  readiness  to  re- 
place those  lost.  This  mode  continued  until  the  year  1816,  when 
Abraham  Lurvey,  of  Pigeon  Cove,  discovered  a  method  of  running 
lead  around  the  hooks,  and  which  were  afterward  called  jigs.    This 


62  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

he  kept  secret  for  many  months.  The  hooks  then  in  use  were  nearly 
as  large  as  the  haddock  hooks  of  to-day.  The  small  lines  and  fly 
lines,  did  not  come  into  use  until  about  1823.  About  this  time  the 
gaff  was  introduced,  and  was  abandoned  after  being  used  some  ten 
years. 

In  the  commencement  of  the  mackerel  fishery,  the  crews,  with  some 
few  exceptions,  continued  through  the  entire  season.  But  one  settle- 
ment was  made,  the  men,  who  were  classed  as  sharesman,  all  sharing 
equal,  the  mackerel  being  put  together  in  common  stock. 

Bait  mills  were  not  used  until  the  year  1820,  or  thereabouts.  Pre- 
vious to  this,  the  bait  was  ground  up  by  the  fishermen  under  the  heels 
of  their  heavy  boots  ;  subsequently  it  was  pounded  with  mallets,  then 
•  came  the  chopping  on  a  block  with  hatchets,  which  was  considered 
quite  an  improvement,  and  was  done  during  the  watch  at  night.  The 
bait  mill,  however,  proved  the  thing,  and  came  into  general  use  soon 
after  its  introduction. 

In  the  summer  of  1818,  Capt.  Simeon  Burnham  made  a  trip  in  the 
schooner  President,  to  Cashe's,  for  the  purpose  of  catching  mackerel 
to  salt.  This,  so  far  as  we  can  learn,  was  the  first  trip  for  the  pur- 
pose of  catching  mackerel  to  salt,  ever  made  from  this  port ;  conse- 
quently to  Capt.  Burnham  belongs  the  honor  of  being  the  pioneer  in 
this  branch  of  the  fisheries.  It  was  considered  quite  an  important 
event  at  the  time,  so  much  so  that  Capt.  Benjamin  Tarr  was  hired  to 
go  as  navigator.  Seventy  barrels  were  caught  on  this  trip,  and  they 
were  packed  in  Boston.  Two  years  after,  this  branch  began  to  in- 
crease, and  in  1821,  several  other  jiggers  were  added  to  the  fleet.  They 
carried  six  hands  and  were  absent  about  a  week.  The  jiggers  were 
stowed  with  butts  and  wash-barrels,  and  no  mackerel  were  headed 
upon  board,  until  about  1820.  In  1821,  Samuel  "Wonson,  Elisha  M. 
Oakes,  Robert  Marston,  Simeon  Burnham,  Samuel  Brown,  Nathaniel 
Blatchford,  John  Wonson,  George  Wonson,  James  Merchant,  Epcs 
Merchant,  were  the  skippers  of  the  jiggers,  which  comprised  the  chief 
part  of  the  mackerel  fleet.  These  jiggers  ranged  in  tonnage  from 
twenty-seven  to  forty-five  tons.  Prior  to  1818,  there  were  but  few 
mackerel  packed  in  Gloucester,  that  part  of  the  business  being  most- 
ly done  in  Boston.  Moses  Gilbert  was  the  only  inspector  in  town 
until  1828,  and  his  accommodations  were  quite  limited.  At  this  date 
several  other  inspectors  were  appointed,  and  the  mackerel  fishery  be- 
gan to  assume  quite  a  business  importance. 

In  the  year  1822,  Capt.  William  Marshall  caught  a  few  mackerel  on 
Georges,  which  were  the  first,  so  far  as  we  can  ascertain,  ever  caught 


FISnERMEN'S  BIEMORIAL  AND  RECORD    BOOK.  66 

there  by  a  Cnp«  Ann  skipper.  Mackerel  have  been  caught  there  every 
year  since,  more  or  less,  and  rank  in  quality  among  the  best. 

The  first  trip  to  the  Buy  of  St.  Lawrence  for  mackerel,  from  this 
port,  was  made  in  1830,  by  Capt.  Charles  P.  Wood,  in  the  Mariner. 
She  was  absent  but  four  weeks,  and  came  in  full  of  large  fat  mack- 
erel. This  cre.ated  quite  an  excitement  among  the  fishermen,  and  the 
next  season  the  Ba}-  fishing  commenced  in  good  earnest.  The  ves- 
sels at  first  made  but  one  trip,  and  finished  up  their  season's  work  on 
this  shore.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  barrels  was  considered  a  good 
trip  for  a  vessel  of  forty  or  fifty  tons.  As  soon  as  the  business  was 
found  to  be  profitable,  vessels  of  a  larger  class  were  added  to  the  fleet, 
and  it  has  graduall}-  increased  from  year  io  year,  until  the  present 
time. 

The  seasons  of  1825  and  1881  were  the  greatest  known  for  mack- 
erel, up  to  this  date.  Vessels  not  over  fifty  tons,  landed  upwards  of 
thirteen  hundred  barrels,  averaging  through  the  fleet  about  eight 
hundred.  Mackerel  continued  in  Boston  Bay,  near  the  land,  in  the 
year  1825,  until  the  fourth  day  of  December,  the  crew  of  schooner 
Frances  Elizabeth  having  caught  twelve  wash-barrels  on  that  day. 
The  catch  was  not  so  large  as  in  '31,  to  each  vessel,  but  the  aggregate 
was  much  larger,  and  the  mackerel  of  a  better  quality.  These  fish 
were  so  plenty  that  the  fishermen  devoted  the  day  to  catching,  and 
the  greater  portion  of  the  night  to  landing  and  dressing,  and  were 
completely  worn  out  with  their  arduous  labors.  One  morning  dur- 
ing the  first  week  in  December,  while  the  fleet  were  some  ten  miles 
off  Eastern  Point,  the  mackerel  failed  to  come  to  the  surface,  after 
the  usual  throwing  of  bait.  This  was  a  pretty  sure  sign  that  they  had 
gone,  and  the  fishermen,  whose  sore  hands  and  tired  bodies  bore  ev- 
idence of  the  work  they  had  accomplished  in  mackerel  catching,  were 
heartily  glad,  that  at  last  the  fish  had  taken  themselves  off,  and 
many  of  the  fleet  hoisted  their  flags  as  a  token  of  their  rejoicing  over 
the  event  of  the  mackerels'  departure.  The  price  of  mackerel  this 
year  was  §5.50  for  I's  ;  §3.50  for  2's  ;  §2.50  for  3's,  and  out  of  this, 
$1.25  was  paid  for  packing. 

From  the  dozen  jiggers  which  composed  the  greater  portion  of  the 
mackerel  fleet  of  1821,  we  have  to-day,  fifty-two  years  later,  a  fleet  of 
some  two  hundred  clipper  schooners,  perfect  in  all  their  appointments, 
engaged  in  this  branch  of  the  fisheries.  The  hook  and  line  has  given 
place,  to  a  great  extent,  to  seines,  and  the  rapidity  which  a  seiner's 
crew  will  surround  a  school  and  make  a  haul  forms  a  scene  of  the 
most  intense  excitement.     It  oftentimes  happens  that  they  are  unable 


64  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

to  take  care  of  their  haul,  and  in  order  to  make  the  most  of  the 
catch,  some  other  vessel  is  signalized,  and  in  consideration  of  giving 
a  certain  percentage  of  what  they  may  get  from  the  nets,  are  allowed 
to  help  themselves. 

Mackerel  catching  by  the  hook  is  lively  sport.  The  school  is  seen 
a  short  distance  ahead,  bait  is  thrown  to  toll  them  alongside,  then 
over  go  the  lines,  and  hands  and  arms  are  busy  in  pulling  them  in 
and  slatting  them  off — their  jaws  being  so  tender  that  it  is  not  nec- 
essary to  unfasten  the  hook.  A  peculiar  sort  of  a  jerk,  soon  acquired, 
does  this,  and  then  up  with  another,  and  so  on,  as  long  as  the  school 
can  be  kept  alongside.  Then  follows  the  dressing,  and  by  the  time 
this  is  accomplished,  one  is  tired  enough  to  turn  in  and  enjoy  a  good 
solid  dose  of  "  tired  nature's  sweet  restorer,  balmy  sleep." 

Below  is  given  the  statistics  of  the  catch  of  mackerel  from  the  port 
of  Gloucester  for  the  past  thirteen  years  : 

1860.-37,407  1-2  No.  I's;  42,659  7-8  No.  2's;   17,108  No.  3's 
816  5-8  No.  4's ;  making  a  total  of  97,992  barrels,  for  the  year. 

1861.-37,995  3-8  No.  I's  ;  45,533  1-2  No.  2's  ;  6,707  1-4  No.  5's 
279  3-4  No.  4's ;  making  a  total  of  90,515  7-8  barrels. 

1862.-53,569  7-8  No.  I's  ;  33,115  3-8  No.  2's  ;  29,364  3-8  No.  3'8 
188  1-4  No.  4's  ;  making  a  total  of  116,237  7-8  barrels. 

1863.-54,855  5-8  No.  I's  ;  71,983  5-8  No.  2's ;  26,921  1-4  No.  3's 
132  No.  4's ;  making  a  total  of  153,892  1-2  barrels. 

1864.-68,061   1-2  No.  I's ;  73,002  No.  2's ;  13,866  3-4  No.  3's 
8  1-2  No.  4'8  ;  making  a  total  of  154,938  3-8  barrels. 

1865.-99,174  3-8  No.  I's  ;  28,378  1-2  No.  2's  ;  13,995  1-2  No.  3's 
28  No.  4'8  ;  making  a  total  of  141,575  3-4  barrels. 

1866.— 86;245  No.  I's;  13,630  7-8  No.  2's;  12,978  No.  3's;  2  1-2 
No.  4's  ;  making  a  total  of  112,856  3-8  barrels. 

1867.-78,062  1-8  No.  I's;  17,328  1-8  No.  2's;  8,507  1-8  No.  3's; 
20  1-2  No.  4's  ;  making  a  total  of  103,917  1-2  barrels. 

1868.-50,652  1-2  No.  I's  ;  14,209  1-8  No.  2's  ;  10,495  1-2  No.  3's ; 
160  No.  4's  ;  making  a  total  of  75,517  1-8  barrels. 

1869.-37,123  1-4  No.  I's ;  36,595  1-2  No.  2's  ;  18,495  2-3  No.  3's  ; 
making  a  total  of  92,214  5-8  barrels. 

1870.-32,089  3-4  No.  I's  ;  82,935  3-4  No.  2's ;  14,564  5-8  No.  3'8  ; 
5  No.  4's  ;  making  a  total  of  129,595  1-4  barrels. 

1871.-49,144  5-8  No.  I's  ;  36,880  7-8  No.  2's ;  20,592  3-4  No.  3's  ; 
30  1-2  No.  4's ;  making  a  total  of  107,008  3-4  barrels. 

1872.-34,013  3-4  No.  I's  ;  20,403  No.  2's  ;  12,959  No.  3's ;  23 
No.  4's  ;  making  a  total  of  67,395  7-8  barrels. 


fisiieumen's  memorial  and  becord  book.  65 


The  Haddock,  Pollock,  Cod  and  Halibut  Fisheries, 

giving  an  account  of  the  First  Trips  to 

Georges  for  Codfish. 

An  important  feature  in  the  Spring  fishing,  from  1812  to  1817,  was 
the  haddock  market  fishery,  which  was  pursued  by  the  fishing  boats. 
The  fish  were  very  abundant  in  the  vicinity  of  Nahant,  and  were  mar- 
keted at  Charlestown,  where  the  alewives  used  for  bait  could  be  ob- 
tained. These  were  caught  at  Medford.  The  fishery  commenced 
from  the  first  of  March  and  continued  until  the  latter  part  of  April. 
At  this  date  herring  came  into  the  bay,  and  the  Spring  codfishing 
began. 

Two-thirds  of  the  boats  engaged  in  the  fisheries  at  this  time  be- 
longed to  Sandy  Bay,  (now  Rockport,)  and  at  the  approach  of  storms 
would  come  round  into  this  harbor  for  shelter,  mooring  in  fleets,  fast- 
ened together,  and  in  nunfters  not  less  than  from  thirty  to  forty  sail. 
The  skippers  and  crews  would  walk  home,  leaving  the  boats  in  the 
care  of  a  sufiUcient  number  to  look  out  for  them  until  the  storm  was 
over. 

During  the  month  of  May,  1821,  Capts.  Simeon  Bumham,  in  the 
President,  George  Friend,  in  the  Columbus,  Elisha  Brown,  in  the  In- 
dependence, and  Samuel  Brown,  in  the  Volant,  sailed  for  the  Bay 
of  St.  Lawrence,  on  the  first  codfishing  voyage  to  that  locality  from 
this  port,  arriving  home  on  the  third  of  July,  with  full  fares.  At  that 
time  nothing  was  known  of  keeping  fish  salted  in  butts  through  the 
summer,  and  the  facilities  for  curing  were  very  poor,  consequently  they 


66  FISHEKMEN'S   MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK. 

were  badly  burned  in  drying,  and  did  not  bring  in  the  New  York 
market  hardly  two  dollars  a  quintal. 

During  the  month  of  June,  while  the  four  above  mentioned 
were  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence  for  codfish,  and  there  being  a  scarc- 
ity of  fish  in  Boston  Bay,  the  other  three,  viz. :  Capts.  Samuel  Won- 
son,  of  the  Three  Sisters,  Elisha  M.  Oakes,  of  the  Eight  Brothers, 
and  Robert  Marston,  of  the  Two  Friends,  held  a  consultation,  and  re- 
solved to  run  the  risk  of  making  a  trip  to  Georges  Bank.  At  this 
time,  (1821,)  it  was  related  as  a  positive  fact,  that  if  vessels  an- 
chored on  Georges,  the  current  would  surely  run  them  under.  The 
three  vessels  sailed,  keeping  close  company.  They  did  not  dare  to 
anchor  at  first,  but  drifted  about  and  caught  a  few  fish.  Finally  one 
of  the  skippers  proposed  to  run  the  risk  and  anchor  one  of  the  ves- 
sels. This,  after  some  discussion  on  the  part  of  all  hands,  was  agreed 
upon,  and  two  extra  men  were  put  on  board  the  vessel,  as  a  reinforce- 
ment, to  assist  in  getting  the  anchor  quickly  in  case  of  any  difficulty. 
All  preparations  being  completed,  the  anchor  was  let  go,  and  shortly 
catches  the  bottom,  then  spin  goes  the  cable  around  the  windlass. 
"  Now,  check  her  a  little,"  was  the  order.  Soon  it  got  a  good  hold, 
and  the  vessel  started  in  apparent  motion  through  the  water,  at  about 
three  knots  an  hour.  In  the  mean  time  the  other  two  vessels,  having 
taken  the  current,  are  fast  leaving  the  anchored  craft,  and  those  on 
board  began  to  get  alarmed.  The  order  to  heave  up  anchor  was  soon 
given,  and  after  an  hour-and-a-half  s  work  this  feat  was  accomplished. 
Before  dark  a  little  breeze  sprang  up,  and  the  vessels  all  met  again 
and  started  for  home.  Thus  ended  the  first  codfishing  trip  to  Geor- 
ges. These  facts  were  obtained  from  parties  who  heard  the  men  tell 
their  story  on  their  arrival  home,  and  may  be  relied  upon  as  a  correct 
account  of  the  first  codfishing  trip  to  Georges  by  Gloucester  vessels  ; 
as  we  fail  to  find  that  any  other  vessels  were  there  previous  for  this 
purpose,  these  three  must  have  the  credit  qf  being  the  pioneers  of  the 
business. 

From  1812  to  1820  the  boats  were  mostly  employed  in  Spring,  in 
shore  fishing,  bringing  in  the  fish  fresh  and  dressing  them  from  the 
boats  on  the  beach.  After  the  Spring  fishing,  the  vessels  would  go 
on  the  coast  of  Maine,  baking.  This  fishery  lasted  only  a  few  weeks. 
In  Summer,  tending  Boston  market  with  mackerel  caught  in  Boston 
Bay,  and  in  the  Fall  months  in  the  pollock  fishery,  catching  their 
bait  in  seines  at  Little  Good  Harbor  Beach.  This  pollock  school 
was  a  great  feature  in  the  fishing  business,  proving  the  turning  point 
in  the  year,  and  their  appearance  was  looked  forward  to  by  the  fish- 


fishermen's  memouial  and  record  book.  67 

ermcn  with  considerable  anxiety.  Their  scarcity  or  abundance  de- 
cided the  purchasing  of  many  articles  of  comfort  in  the  fisherman's 
family,  and  therefore  all  were  interested  in  having  a  good  pollock 
catch  to  wind  up  with. 

Mention  has  been  made  that  the  fish  were  landed  on  the  beaches 
to  be  dressed.  This  was  done  from  necessity,  as  there  were  no 
wharves  then  in  town,  from  1812  to  1820,  below  "William  Pearce  & 
Son's  wharf,  except  the  remains  of  Rogers',  at  Rowe's  bank,  which 
had  only  one  side  at  which  a  small  vessel  could  lie,  and  Friend's 
wharf,  a  cob  of  about  50  x  20  feet,  the  remains  of  a  pier  of  about 
80  X 15  feet,  at  what  is  now  Deacon  Parker's  wharf,  and  a  small  land- 
ing place  at  Capt.  Daniel  Sayward's.  Beyond,  on  the  Point  side,  not 
a  landing  place  of  any  description  was  to  be  seen.  In  the  Harbor 
Cove,  at  the  Fort,  was  the  Parsons  wharf,  now  Poole's.  On  the  beach 
there  was  only  Moses  Gilbert's.  No  additional  wharves  were  built 
on  the  beach  until  after  1820.  There  were  the  remains  of  a  few  cobs 
left  of  the  early  fishermen  before  the  Revolution. 

The  Georges  halibut  and  cod  fishery  is  of  more  recent  date.  It 
became  a  permanent  business  enterprise  in  the5'ears  of  1835  and  '36, 
although  vessels  commenced  going  there  for  halibut  some  five  years 
previous,  in  1830.  In  the  first  years  of  the  business  the  catch  was 
almost  entirely  of  halibut.  In  a  full  fare  there  would  not  be  more 
than  from  six  to  ten  quintals  of  codfish  caught.  Halibut  were  so 
plenty  in  these  early  years  of  the  Georges  fishery,  and  for  some  years 
after,  that  trips  were  got  without  anchoring  the  vessel  at  all.  Sever- 
al vessels  went  with  their  chain  cable  only.  These  trips  of  halibut 
were  marketed  mostly  in  Boston.  In  1848  this  school  of  halibut 
culminated.  This,  also,  was  the  season  of  the  Gloucester  Halibut 
Company.  The  wonderful  catch  that  Spring  greatly  overstocked  the 
market ;  so  much  so,  that  under  the  stated  price  agreed  upon,  the 
company  could  not  continue  through  the  month  of  April,  and  had  to 
stop  fulfilling  their. contracts,  and  wind  up.  As  an  evidence  of  the 
abundance  of  these  fish  this  season,  we  have  only  to  mention  that  at  one 
time  in  April  nearly  half  a  million  pounds  of  halibut  were  afloat  in 
this  harbor. 

About  this  time  codfish  were  first  sold  fresh,  after  being  dressed, 
from  the  vessel,  thus  commencing  the  marketing  of  all  kinds  of  fish  on 
their  arrival  in  port.  Heretofore  the  fish  were  landed  and  salted  and 
put  into  the  shoresman's  hands  for  drying,  the  allowance  to  him  be- 
ing one  fourteenth  part  of  the  net  proceeds  for  his  services,  to  be 


68  FISHEEMEX'S  MEMOEIAIi  AND  EECORD  BOOK. 

deducted  from  the  gross  stock,  the  balance  to  be  divided  equally  be- 
tween the  owners  and  crew. 

During  the  month  of  September,  1819,  as  the  boat  Madison  was  at 
anchor  on  Middle  Bank,  codfishing,  a  large  school  of  halibut  were 
struck.  One  hundred  and  forty  were  caught,  and  the  vessel  immedi- 
ately got  underweigh  for  Boston,  where  the  halibut  were  sold  few  one 
dollar  each.  The  boat  was  owned  and  commanded  by  Capt.  George 
Wonson.  He  had  with  him,  as  crew,  Moses  Parsons  and  Benjamin 
Robinson. 

In  the  year  1840  the  schooner  Nautilus,  (heretofore  spoken  of  as 
making  the  first  trip  to  Georges  for  halibut,)  Frederick  Gerring,  mas- 
ter, and  the  schooner  Phoenix,  William  H.  Rowe,  master,  made  a  trip 
to  Georges,  bringing  in  full  fares,  and  were  absent  from  port  but  sev- 
enty-two hours.  We  fail  to  learn  of  any  quicker  time  than  this,  and 
think  it  would  be  hard  to  beat  it.  They  had  good  runs  both  ways, 
and  began  catching  halibut  as  soon  as  their  anchors  were  down. 


The  Compaerce  of  Gloucester  and  the  Fisheries. 

The  commercial  interests  of  Gloucester  were  at  one  time  quite  ex- 
tensive, and  aided  greatly  in  building  up  and  adding  to  the  wealth 
and  prosperity  of  the  place.  An  antiquarian  friend  has  recently 
been  poring  over  some  old  account  books,  and  informs  us  that  hg 
finds,  during  the  time  between  1795  and  1810,  the  names  of  eight 
ships  and  twenty-five  brigs,  which  were  then  owned  and  fitted  at  this 
port.  The  West  India  trade  was  a  source  of  profit  for  many  years, 
especially  that  of  the  Surinam  branch ;  but  now  its  glory  has  de- 
parted, and  there  is  not  a  vessel  from  this  port  engaged  in  it.  Oc- 
casionallj'  a  craft  is  fitted  from  Boston,  in  which  a  Gloucester  mer- 
chant is  interested ;  but  aside  from  this,  the  trade  has  passed  into 
other  hands.  All  the  energies  of  our  people  are  concentrated  in  the 
fisheries,  and  in  this  branch  we  beat  the  world.  From  present  indi- 
cations there  is  much  to  encourage  the  pursuit,  and  old  Gloucester 
has  tacitly  consented  to  let  other  ports  have  the  swing  of  commerce, 
while  she  looks  sharp  after  the  interests  connected  with  the  hook,  line 
and  net.  New  firms  are  constantly  engaging  in  the  business,  and  if 
energy,  tact  and  pluck  avail  anything,  there  is  no  fear  for  the  future 
prosperity  of  our  city. 


fishebmen's  memorial  and  becobd  book.  C9 


The  Winter  Fishery  of  1846— A  Comparison  hetween 
Then  and  Now. 

We  have  Bucceeded  in  obtaining  a  carefully  compiled  statement  of 
the  doings  of  the  winter  fishing  fleet  on  Georges,  during  the  season  of 
1846.  There  is  such  a  contrast  between  the  business  then  and  now, 
that  we  feel  assured  the  details  will  be  of  interest  to  the  reader. 

The  entire  fleet  which  followed  winter  fishing  at  that  time  com- 
prised twentj'-nine  vessels,  as  follows  :  —  Schooners  Mount  Vernon, 
Clarissa  Story,  Oregon,  Hosca  Ballou,  Huntress,  Columbia,  Adeline, 
Champion,  Union,  William  Wallace,  Hannibal,  Clarion,  Alabama, 
Concordia,  H.  A.  Holbrook,  Canton,  Centurion,  Constitution,  Clinton, 
Pilot,  Richmond,  Sarah,  Napoleon,  Zanoni,  William  Penn,  Emerald, 
Revenue,  Cinderella,  and  Science.  Their  average  measurement  was 
sixty-two  tons;  average  value  $2,800,  and  were  considered  the 
Btaunchest  vessels  belonging  to  the  port.  The  greater  number  of 
these  vessels  have  either  been  lost  or  sold  from  this  district.  The 
first  ten  of  the  above  list  left  for  Georges,  January  5th,  and  averaged 
five  trips  each,  during  the  season.  Their  net  stock  amounted  to 
$11,870,  and  the  average  net  earnings  of  the  vessels  were  $151.50. 
The  largest  fares  brought  in,  were  the  first  two  trips  of  the  William 
Wallace,  Captain  James  Pattillo,  amounting  respectively  to  $500  and 
$G10.  The  arrival  of  these  trips  produced  quite  a  sensation,  and 
was  the  theme  of  conversation  in  the  stores,  on  the  wharves,  and  on 
the  street.  The  William  Wallace  was  the  lucky  craft,  and  to  her 
captain  and  crew  was  accorded  the  honor  of  being  "  high  liners"  of 
the  Georgesmen.    She  stocked  $2,135  for  her  season's  work. 

The  next  eleven  vessels  of  the  list  did  not  go  so  early  in  the  sea- 
son, but  deferred  their  departure  till  February  Gth.  Their  stock  was 
$8,844,  and  each  vessel  averaged  $128.36  net  earnings.  The  remain- 
ing eight  started  March  2d,  and  netted  $110  each.  The  total  stock 
of  the  fleet  to  April  15th,  amounted  to  $25,106,  and  the  average 
share  of  each  man  was  $62.16. 

In  those  days  halibut  comprised  the  principal  fish  caught  on  Geor- 
ges, and  the  amount  of  codfish  caught  was  small.  Now  it  is  reversed, 
and  codfish  are  the  most  plentiful.  What  a  contrast  —  then  and  now  I 
Instead  of  the  fleet  of  twenty-nine,  of  twenty-seven  years  ago,  there 


70  fishermen's  memoeial  and  record  book. 

are  now  two  hundred  and  fifty  sail  engaged  in  the  business,  whose 
average  valuation  is  $6,000.  The  trips  brought  in  during  the  best  part 
of  the  season  will  average  $700,  and  stocks  of  from  $1,500  to  $2,000 
are  not  unfrequent ;  while  the  Grand  Bank  fishery,  comparatively  a 
new  branch  of  the  business,  often  discounts  from  $3,000  to  $4,000  on 
a  single  trip ;  the  result  of  the  energy  and  pluck  of  our  fishermen. 

Previous  to  1846  the  vessels  did  not  carry  ice,  but  many  of  them 
were  made  into  "  smacks,"  so  called,  which  was  done  by  building  a 
water-tight  compartment  amidships,  and  boring  holes  in  the  bottom 
to  admit  the  salt  water,  and  thus  the  halibut  were  kept  alive.  The 
other  vessels  were  obliged  to  risk  the  keeping  of  their  fish,  and  made 
trips  as  speedily  as  possible.  The  "smacks"  did  not  give  much  sat- 
isfaction, as  oftentimes  the  wells  would  leak,  which  made  consider- 
able work  for  the  pumps,  and  such  work  is  not  relished  by  either  sail- 
ors or  fishermen.  Then  again,  when  in  Boston  harbor,  the  water  be- 
ins  so  difierent  from  that  outside,  would  often  have  a  bad  efiect  on 
the  halibut.  In  1848,  when  the  Halibut  Company  was  formed  in 
town,  ice  was  introduced,  and  "  smacks  "  were  no  longer  necessary. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  71 


*' Uncle  Charlie's"  Recollections  of  the  Old  Pinkey 

and  Jigger  Fleets.     Also,  of  the  Square 

Stemers,  Half  Clipper,  and  Clipper 

Model  Fishing  Vessels. 

Cruising  along  the  wharves  one  afternoon  in  June  in  search  of  in- 
formation relative  to  the  crews  of  some  of  the  lost  fishing  vessels, 
we  came  across  Uncle  Charlie,  the  veteran  fisherman,  who  was  cosily 
seated  on  a  barrel  smoking  his  pipe  and  gazing  off  in  the  harbor, 
watching  the  vessels  coming  in  and  out.  Now  Uncle  Charlie  is  a 
character  well  worth  knowing,  one  of  that  class  of  fishermen  of  whom 
there  are  but  few  left,  who  has  followed  the  business  for  threescore 
years,  commencing  when  a  lad  of  eight,  and  in  his  day  has  taken  au 
active  part  in  all  the  branches  of  the  business,  thoroughly  under- 
standing the  details  of  each,  and,  when  in  his  prime,  there  were  but 
few  men  in  the  fleet  who  could  catch  more  fish  or  do  a  better  day's 
work  on  board  the  vessel  than  he  could. 

When  we  first  saw  the  veteran  sitting  so  comfortably  on  his  bar- 
rel, the  thought  of  "interviewing"  him  and  thereby  obtaining  a 
chapter  for  our  Memorial  Book,  at  once  came  into  mind,  and  seeing 
that  the  old  man  was  in  good  trim,  we  took  a  seat  near  him,  on  the 
capstan  of  the  wharf,  and  were  soon  engaged  in  conversation. 

How  quickly  did  the  old  man's  thoughts  go  backwards  over  the 
past,  as  we  put  a  few  leading  questions !  How  vivid  was  his  mem- 
017  of  the  old-time  fishing  fleet,  and  how  his  eyes  sparkled  and  how 
brightly  his  face  shone  with  pleasure  as  he  related,  one  after  the  oth- 
er, facts  and  incidents  of  the  "pinkey"  and  "jigger"  fleets,  recall- 
ing the  names  of  some  who  then  took  active  part,  with  hook  and 
line,  but  who  many  years  ago  sailed  for  the  port  beyond,  leaving 
their  boats  and  all  things  pertaining  thereto !  Uncle  Charlie  will, 
one  day,  not  very  far  ahead,  sail  over  the  same  waters,  reach  the 
same  port,  and  is  there  any  doubt  but  that  he  will  meet  with  those 
gone  on  before,  and  be  known  and  recognized  as  of  old  ?  We  believe 
that  he  will. 

This  is  a  digi-ession.  We  were  seated  on  the  capstan  of  the  wharf, 
the  veteran  on  his  barrel,  a  cool  breeze  blowing,  and  perfect  harmo- 
ny abroad  that  bright  summer  afternoon. 


72  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

"  Now,  Uncle  Charlie,  we  want  you  to  talk  to  us  about  old  times, 
tell  us  about  the  old  fishing  fleet,  as  we  are  going  to  get  up  a  book 
for  the  fishermen  of  to-day,  who  will  want  to  know  all  about  the  past, 
and  how  the  old  fishermen  used  to  manage,  and  what  kind  of  crafts 
they  sailed  in." 

"  Well,  let  me  see.  I'll  spin  off  the  yarns,  and  j'ou  can  put  'em 
together  to  suit  yourself.  I  don't  know  anything  about  your  print- 
ing, never  had  but  precious  little  book  larnin',  any  way.  At  the  age 
of  eight  I  began  to  get  my  own  livin',  and  what  little  I  do  know,  I 
picked  up  winter  evenings." 

"That  don't  matter,  Uncle  Charlie.  Spin  off  the  yarns,  and  we'll 
endeavor  to  put  them  in  shape." 

"Would  that  we  could  report  that  afternoon's  interviewing,  verba- 
tim, giving  the  exact  language,  the  style,  the  gestures,  etc. ;  but  we 
cannot  do  that,  and  must  rest  content  by  giving  a  general  summary 
thereof. 

Uncle  Charlie's  first  remembrance  was  6f  the  pinkey  fleet.  Sixty 
years  ago,  he  tells  us,  the  whole  of  the  fishing  business  of  Gloucester 
was,  with  the  exception  of  the  Grand  Bank  fishing,  carried  on  by 
means  of  these  small  and  light  craft.  TJieir  trips  were  seldom  ex- 
tended to  more  than  two  or  three  days  or  a  week,  according  to  the 
success  they  might  meet  with.  They  were  mostly  occupied  upon  the 
fishing  grounds  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Cape,  sometimes  running  down 
along  the  coast  of  Maine,  and  occasionally  dropping  their  lines  upon 
Georges.  These  boats  were  from  ten  to  twenty  tons,  with  standing 
rooms  or  berths,  for  they  had  no  rail  or  bulwarks  above  the  deck,  the 
only  protection  being  a  narrow  waist  about  eight  inches  in  height. 
They  carried  foresail  and  mainsail  only,  and  were  good  sailers.  The 
"  cuddy,"  a  small  apartment  forward,  contained  two  berths,  and  a 
fireplace  built  of  brick,  just  abaft  the  foremast.  The  chimney  was 
made  of  wood  and  plastered  on  the  inside  to  prevent  its  taking  fire. 
Cooking-stoves  were  then  unknown. 

Uncle  Charlie  recalled  among  the  names  of  the  Pinkey  fleet,  the 
following :  "  Lion,"  Capt.  Simeon  Burnham  ;  "  Mary,"  Capt.  James 
Marchant ;  "  Nabby,"  Capt.  Epes  Merchant ;  •'  Heart  of  Oak,"  Capt. 
William  Parkhurst ;  "  America,"  Capt.  Nathaniel  Merchant ;  "  Fin 
Back,"  Capt.  Samuel  Norwood  ;  "  Sukey,"  Capt.  Benjamin  Parsons. 
There  were  also  some  three  or  four  owned  by  the  Wonsons,  at  East- 
ern Point,  whose  names  he  did  not  remember.  These  comprised  the 
fleet  from  Pearce's  wharf  round  to  Rocky  Neck.  In  addition  to  the 
above  was  the  Harbor  Cove  fleet. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  73 

The  fltting-out  of  the  fleet  for  the  haddock  fishery  commenced  about 
the  first  of  April.  The  first  move  was  to  run  the  boats  on  the  beach, 
or  landing  as  it  was  then  called,  and  have  them  calked  and  graved. 
The  latter  process  consisted  in  applying  a  coat  of  pitch  to  the  bottom 
and  burning  it  down  with  a  tar-barrel,  which  gave  a  smooth  and 
glossy  surface.  Painted  bottoms  in  those  days  were  very  rare.  Af- 
ter this  process  had  been  gone  through  with  the  sails  were  bent,  and 
then  a  supply  of  stores  was  taken  on  board,  comprising  the  following 
articles :  Two  quarts  of  molasses,  five  pounds  of  fat  pork,  four 
pounds  of  flour,  seven  pounds  of  hard  crackers,  (baked  by  Capt.  Cur- 
rier, or  "  Capt.  Kier,"  as  he  was  familiarly  called,)  half  a  barrel  of 
water,  and  a  little  New  England  rum,  which  in  those  days  was  con- 
sidered both  victuals  and  drink.  This  stock  would  last  about  a  week. 
Some  of  the  fishermen  of  the  present  day  would  rather  grumble  at 
such  a  bill  of  fare,  but  it  answered  the  purpose  very  well,  and  they 
were  perfectly  contented  with  it.  Another  essential  article  on  board 
was  a  box  of  tinder  and  a  supply  of  home-made  matches  dipped  in 
brimstone.  The  tinder  was  ignited  by  means  of  flint  and  steel,  and 
by  this  they  lighted  the  matches,  —  not  a  very  agreeable  job  to  per- 
form when  it  was  rough,  especially  if  one  was  a  little  "  squeamish," 
as  the  smell  of  brimstone  was  almost  sure  to  make  a  person  "  heave 
up." 

The  time  occupied  in  making  a  haddock  trip  was  from  two  days  to 
a  week,  the  fish  being  mostly  taken  on  Old  Man's  Pasture,  Heart's 
Ground  and  Inner  Bank,  about  twelve  miles  off  of  Eastern  Point. 
The  fish  were  taken  to  Charlcstown  for  a  market,  and  purchased  by 
the  hawkers  —  among  whom  were  Johnny  Ilarriden,  Joe  Smith,  Isaac 
Rich  and  others,  who  took  them  over  to  Boston  in  hand-carts  and  re- 
tailed them  at  a  good  profit.  The  codfish  were  generally  salted.  The 
smallest  were  cured  for  the  Bilboa  market,  and  the  largest  were  made 
into  dun  fish,  as  they  were  called,  for  home  consumption.  They  were 
kept  on  the  flakes  several  weeks,  and  thoroughly  dried  until  they  be- 
came of  a  reddish  color,  and  were  highly  esteemed  as  an  article  ot 
food.  The  baking  season  commenced  in  July,  and  the  pollock  fishery 
was  prosecuted  from  September  to  the  middle  of  November.  Each 
boat  carried  three  men  —  skipper,  forward  hand  and  cook,  who  went 
at  the  halves,  as  it  was  called,  the  crew  receiving  one-half  the  gross 
stock,  and  the  owners  the  balance. 

The  full  rig  costume  of  "ye  ancient  fishermen"  would  be  regarded 
at  the  present  day  as  something  of  a  curiosity.  It  consisted  gener- 
ally of  the  tarpaulin  hat  and  monkey  jacket,  or  guernsey  fx'ock ;  the 


74  fisherman's  memorial  and  record  book. 

barvel  —  a  stout  apron  of  leather,  and  the  ponderous  fishing  boots,  of 
astonishing  breadth  of  beam,  made  of  the  thickest  of  russet  cowhide, 
with  tops  made  to  turn  up  high  over  the  knees,  and  though  cumbrous 
and  heavy,  constituted  an  efficient  protection  against  cold  and  wet. 
Uncle  Charlie  recalled  to  mind  the  familiar  forms  and  weather  browned 
faces  of  many  of  these  veteran  sons  of  old  ocean  "  whose  march  was 
on  the  mountain  wave,  whose  home  was  on  the  deep."  There  were 
the  Marshall  Brothers,  familiarly  known  as  Tim  and  Bill ;  Atkinson 
and  Millett ;  Abraham  Wharf,  Isaac  Jeflfs,  Philip  Priestly,  John 
Truebod}^,  and  many  others. 

Following  the  pinkey  fleet,  came  a  larger  class  of  boats,  of  thirty 
tons  and  upwards.  These  boats  at  first  were  the  same  rig  as  the 
smaller  class,  and  had  no  bulwarks  or  bowsprit.  They  had  stanch- 
ions, rail,  and  a  narrow  strip  above  the  waist  about  six  inches  wide, 
the  rest  of  the  space  being  left  open,  as  it  was  then  deemed  unsafe  to 
have  bulwarks,  the  plan  of  having  scuppers  to  let  out  the  water  not 
being  adopted  until  several  years  afterwards.  These  boats  subse- 
quently had  their  stems  sawed  off  and  were  rigged  with  bowsprits, 
carrying  foresail,  mainsail  and  jib,  and  known  as  "jiggers."  They 
were  considered  very  large  vessels  at  that  time,  and  competent  to 
make  a  voyage  to  any  part  of  the  world. 

The  first  of  the  fleet  of  this  class  was  the  "  President,"  twenty-eight 
tons,  commanded  by  Capt.  Simeon  Burnham,  and  the  "  Union,"  twen- 
ty-four tons,  Capt.  Epes  Merchant,  which  was  subsequently  taken  by 
the  privateer  Rolla,  but  afterwards  liberated.  Then  came  the  "  Con- 
stitution," thirty-two  tons,  Capt.  "William  Parsons,  which  was  the 
largest  jigger  of  the  fleet,  —  so  large  that  it  was  feared  she  could  not 
be  worked  out  and  in  from  the  upper  harbor  cove,  consequently  she 
had  to  be  moored  ofl"  the  harbor  rock.  The  "  Madison,"  twenty-seven 
tons,  was  commanded  by  Capt.  William  Parkhurst.  She  was  a  very 
fast  sailer,  and  during  war-time  was  purchased  for  a  privateer,  bring- 
ing in  two  prizes  in  one  week.  There  were  also  several  others,  and 
it  may  be  a  matter  of  interest  to  state  that  the  cost  of  building  these 
boats  was  from  sixteen  to  eighteen  dollars  per  ton.  Quite  a  differ- ' 
ence  between  then  and  now.  These  jiggers  were  furnished  with  a 
small  fireplace  and  chimney,  built  of  brick,  in  the  cabin  or  "  cuddy." 
The  chimney  came  out  flush  with  the  deck,  and  upon  that  a  square 
wooden  box  or  funnel,  which  could  be  removed  as  occasion  required. 
These  little  chimneys  had  a  merit  peculiarly  their  own.  They  were 
sure  to  carry  smoke  at  all  times,  one  way  or  the  other  —  either  upward 
or  downward  —  and  it  was  to  this  "  habit  of  smoking,"  as  Uncle  Char- 


nSHEEMEN'S    MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD   BOOK.  75 

lie  affirmed,  especially  of  the  Grand  Bankers,  that  they  were  Indebted 
in  those  days  for  an  occasional  taste  of  the  most  dclicioos  smoked 
halibut.  The  curing  of  halibut  was  not  then,  as  now,  a  branch  of  the 
fishing  business.  Occasionally  one  would  take  the  hook,  and  if  it 
proved  a  particularly  fine  fish,  the  best  cuts  were  taken  off  and  sus- 
pended to  the  beams  in  the  cabin,  and  by  the  end  of  the  voyage  would 
become  thoroughly  cured  by  the  smoke,  and  being  divided  among  the 
crew,  were  taken  home  to  their  families,  for  their  own  use,  and  given 
as  very  acceptable  presents  to  friends. 

These  little  vessels  from  their  extreme  buoyancy  and  their  offer- 
ing so  little  resistance  to  the  power  of  the  ocean  waves,  would  make 
comparatively  good  weather  at  times  when  large  ships  would  be  la- 
boring, plunging,  and  straining  every  plank  and  timber  to  its  utmost 
capacity  of  endurance.  They  would  mount  almost  upon  even  keel, 
upon  the  crest  of  the  highest  seas,  and  settle  into  the  hollows  with 
the  ease  and  grace  of  a  wild  duck,  and  such  a  thing  as  "  shipping  a 
sea"  was  not  thought  of. 

The  manner  of  mooring  the  boats  in  those  days  was  peculiar.  As 
there  were  but  few  wharves,  the  fleet  were  kept  moored  in  the  harbor. 
The  mooring  consisted  of  a  large  flat  stone,  weighing  from  three  to 
four  tons,  with  a  hole  in  the  centre  about  eight  inches  in  diameter, 
into  which  a  straight  white-oak  butt,  about  seventeen  feet  long,  was 
inserted,  so  that  at  high  tide  some  three  or  four  feet  of  the  stump  was 
visible  above  the  water.  Upon  the  stump  was  a  "  crab,"  made  of  a 
large  log  eighteen  Inches  long,  with  a  hole  in  the  centre  large  enough 
for  the  stump  to  go  through ;  this  played  up  and  down,  and  was  pre- 
vented from  slipping  off  by  means  of  a  strong  "  fid."  A  piece  of  six- 
inch  cable,  about  five  fathoms  long,  was  attached  to  the  "  crab,"  and 
on  the  other  end  an  eye  was  spliced  large  enough  to  slip  over  the 
stem  of  the  pinkey.  This  was  kept  afloat  by  means  of  a  small  buoy, 
so  that  when  a  boat  was  running  in  she  would  make  for  her  mooring, 
and  a  man  gaffed  the  buoy,  slipped  the  collar  over  the  stem,  and  the 
boat  was  safely  moored.  A  few  of  these  old  mooring-stumps  are  now 
visible  at  low  water  in  some  of  the  coves,  but  most  of  them  have  dis- 
appeared. 

Of  the  square  stern  fleet  he  remembered  the  Accumulator,  Dele- 
gate, Helen  Marr,  Forest,  and  Mount  Vernon.  They  were  full, 
square-bowed  vessels,  with  short,  chunky  cutwaters,  the  head  and 
trail  boards  being  painted  in  bright  chrome  yellow,  and  occasionally 
one  would  secure  an  extra  touch  of  gold  leaf.  The  bottom  was  paint- 
ed green  up  to  the  bends,  and  the  upper-works  black,  with  a  broad 


76  fisheemen's  memorial  and  eecord  book. 

white  streak  on  the  waist,  and  some  would  have  a  yellow  bead  on  the 
lower  edge  of  the  bends.  This  was  considered  rather  an  expensive 
luxury,  and  was  rarely  indulged  in,  as  the  fishermen  of  those  days 
did  not  pay  so  much  attention  to  ornamenting  their  vessels  as  do 
those  of  modern  times. 

Next  to  this  class  of  vessels  came  the  half-clipper  models,  which 
were  considered  something  extra,  and  the  old  fishermen  wondered 
how  people  could  be  so  foolish  as  to  risk  their  lives  in  such  vessels. 
There  was  the  Ilosea  Ballon,  Daniel  D.  Smith,  Henry  Ilolbrook,  and 
others  which  represented  this  class.  They  were  very  pretty  looking 
crafts  for  those  times,  but  at  the  present  look  almost  as  old  style  as 
those  first  mentioned. 

The  first  regular  clipper  craft  owned  here  was  the  Romp.  She 
was  built  in  Essex,  about  the  year  1850,  as  near  as  Uncle  Charlie 
could  remember,  and  purchased  by  Capt.  Samuel  Giles.  On  her  ar- 
rival in  this  port  she  formed  the  general  topic  of  conversation  among 
the  fishermen,  some  declaring  that  a  crew  could  not  be  obtained  to 
go  in  such  a  sea-coflSn,  and  the  man  who  built  her  must  be  insane. 
She  would  never  come  back  to  port  if  she  went  out,  said  some  of  the 
old  veterans,  as  they  went  on  board  and  gave  her  a  thorough  exami- 
nation. Notwithstanding  all  this  croaking,  the  vessel  was  fitted  and 
sailed  for  the  Georges,  proving  not  only  an  excellent  sea-boat,  but  one 
of  the  fastest  vessels  in  the  fleet.  The  Romp  proving  such  a  supe- 
rior craft,  others  were  built  on  her  model,  which  was  improved  upon, 
and  we  now  have  a  fleet  of  fishing  vessels  which  are  the  very  pictures 
of  neatness  and  beauty,  so  closely  resembling  yachts  that  some  of  the 
latest  build  are  often  taken  for  such,  when  they  are  skimming  so 
gracefully  over  the  water. 

Very  pleasantly  passed  that  summer  afternoon,  and  we  have  en- 
deavored to  tell  what  Uncle  Charlie  related ;  but  it  lacks  that  pecul- 
iar spirit  and  zest  which  an  old  salt  alone  can  impart,  and  which  ren- 
dered the  interview  so  very  interesting  to  us. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  77 


Account  of  the  First  Trips  to  Georges  after 
Halibut. 

It  is  claimed  by  a  large  majority  of  those  interested  in  the  fisher- 
ies, that  the  schooner  Nautilus  was  the  first  vessel  which  ever  ven- 
tured to  Georges  on  a  halibut  trip.  There  are  others  who  assert  that 
the  schooner  Romeo  is  entitled  to  the  claim  of  being  the  pioneer 
schooner  in  this  branch  of  the  fisheries.  "We  have  made  the  most 
careful  inquiries,  and  from  one  of  the  crow  of  the  Nautilus  wo  obtain 
the  date  of  her  sailing,  and  several  interesting  particulars  of  the  trip. 
"We  could  not  obtain  any  date  of  the  sailing  of  the  Romeo,  although 
we  interviewed  one  of  her  crew.  lie  felt  confident  that  there  was  not 
many  daj's'  difiercnce  in  their  time  of  sailing,  and  was  rather  inclined 
to  the  opinion  that  the  Nautilus  was  the  first.  Our  informant  is  pos- 
itive that  he  is  correct  in  his  dates,  and  as  be  is  a  man  of  undoubted 
veracity,  and  in  the  absence  of  any  contradictory  statements,  we 
publish  his  narrative.  The  vessel  was  commanded  by  Capt.  John 
Fletcher  Wonson,  recently  deceased  ;  one  of  the  most  able  and  care- 
ful skippers  among  those  of  the  olden  time. 

In  1828,  while  coming  home  in  the  Nautilus,  from  Wilmington,  N. 
C,  he  noticed  on  the  chart  used  on  board  the  vessel,  a  picture  of  a  hali- 
but, under  which  was  printed  the  words,  "  Good  halibut  grounds  here." 
This  he  remembered,  and,  two  3'ears  after,  concluded  to  give  halibut 
catching  a  trial.  On  the  fifth  of  March,  1830,  the  vessel  started  out 
of  the  harbor  on  her  trip  for  halibut.  Among  her  crew  was  the  fol- 
lo^ving  persons,  all  of  whom  but  the  last  named  are  now  living :  John 
"W.  "Wouson,  Nathan  F.  Wonson,  Samuel  G.  "Wonson,  Daniel  Doug- 
lass and  Benjamin  Marble.  The  result  of  this  trip  was  twenty  hali- 
but, which  were  landed,  but  met  with  a  dull  sale.  The  schooner 
Romeo,  Capt.  Henry  Pew,  sailed  soon  after,  and  brought  in  a  trip  of 
upwards  of  three  thousand  pounds,  which  were  sold  for  three  cents 
per  pound.  Other  vessels  soon  followed,  but  the  business  did  not 
amount  to  much  until  it  had  been  prosecuted  five  or  six  years,  when 
it  began  to  assume  considerable  importance,  and  became  established 
as  a  regular  branch  of  the  fisheries. 

This  first  trip  of  the  Nautilus  came  very  near  being  the  last  to  one 


78  fisheemen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

of  her  crew,  Mr.  Marble,  and  gave  a  little  foretaste  of  the  dangers 
accompanying  the  vocation.  The  vessel  was  lying  to,  the  crew  hav- 
ing succeeded  in  finding  some  halibut,  when  Mr.  Marble  launched 
the  dor}',  and  throwing  over  his  anchor,  commenced  fishing  by  him- 
self. It  was  quite  moderate,  and  the  vessel,  drifting  with  the  cur- 
rent, was  scon  some  distance  oflF.  This  was  thought  nothing  of 
in  the  excitement  attending  fishing,  until  one  of  the  crew  remarked 
that  Marble  was  about  out  of  sight,  and  he  thought  it  queer  that  he 
didn't  row  for  the  vessel,  especially  as  night  was  coming  on  and  there 
were  indications  of  a  storm.  All  hands  then  began  to  talk  it  over, 
and  thouglit  that  something  must  have  happened  to  him.  A  man  was 
sent  aloft  to  keep  the  dory  in  sight,  and  a  little  breeze  springing  up, 
the  vessel  was  got  underway  and  they  succeeded  in  reaching  him, 
just  before  the  darkness  and  the  storm  came  on.  It  seems  that  in 
the  hurry  of  launching  the  dory  he  forgot  the  oars,  and  this  account- 
ed for  his  not  attempting  to  regain  the  vessel.  There  lay  the  oars  on 
the  vessel's  deck,  and  not  one  on  board  had  observed  them.  If  they 
had,  the  mystery  of  Marble's  not  attempting  to  regain  the  vessel 
would  soon  have  been  solved.  "Soon  after  he  had  been  picked  up,  the 
storm  came  on  in  all  its  fury,  a  regular  Georges  blow,  with  all  the 
accompaniments,  which  would  have  proved  certain  death  to  any  one 
exposed  to  its  fury  in  a  dory. 

There  was  quite  a  difference  in  the  style  of  living  on  board  the  ves- 
sels in  those  days  in  comparison  with  that  of  to-day.  Fish  formed 
seventy-five  per  cent,  of  the  food.  Twenty-eight  pounds  of  flour  was 
the  allowance  for  a  trip,  and  twenty-five  pounds  of  beef  and  pork, 
with  plenty  of  hard  bread.  A  favorite  dish  was  the  "  Dundee  Pud- 
ding," made  of  hard  bread,  pounded  up,  sweetened  with  molasses, 
with  some  flour  stirred  in  to  give  it  a  little  of  the  adhesive  quality. 
A  very  palatable  dish  it  was  when  properly  concocted.  Hard  bread, 
fried  in  pork  fat,  was  another  standing  dish  on  the  bill  of  fare.  "What 
would  the  fishermen  of  to-day  say  to  this  style  of  living,  and  how 
would  they  like  to  retuni  to  the  days  of  1830,  when  the  first  Geor- 
gesman  passed  out  by  Eastern  Point,  and  returned  with  her  fare  of 
twenty  halibut? 


fishebmen's  memorial  ahd  aecoeo  book.  79 


Incidents  of  the  Gale  of  September  8th,  1869. 

On  the  evening  of  September  8th,  a  most  terrific  gale  sprang  up, 
which,  for  a  short  time,  was  the  most  severe,  on  the  Eastern  coast, 
within  the  memory  of  some  of  our  oldest  fishermen.  The  weather  in 
the  early  part  of  the  afternoon  was  quite  warm  and  pleasant,  and  no 
one  ever  dreamed  of  such  a  sudden  change.  At  about  half-past  three 
o'clock  the  wind  began  to  breeze  up  from  the  south-east,  accompanied 
with  rain,  and,  at  half-past  five,  it  had  increased  to  a  perfect  hurri- 
cane, which  for  two  hours  raged  fearfully.  Vessels  dragged  their  an- 
chors and  were  driven  ashore,  trees  and  chimnies  were  blown  down, 
awnings  ripped  from  their  fastenings,  windows  blown  in,  and  general 
destruction  prevailed.  Fortunately  there  were  but  few  vessels  at  an- 
chor in  the  harbor  at  the  time.  In  addition  to  the  pilot-boat  Young 
Raven,  mentioned  among  the  lost  vessels,  two  Cape  Cod  fishing  ves- 
sels, the  WiNSLOw,  of  Plymouth,  and  the  Richard  P.  Higgins,  of 
Wellfleet,  also  an  Eastern  coaster,  came  ashore  on  the  beach,  and 
were  got  off  next  day,  having  received  but  little  damage.  The  life- 
boat was  launched  and  did  much  service  in  saving  the  crews  of  the 
wrecked  vessels.  Several  unsuccessful  attempts  were  made  to  reach 
them,  and  it  was  finally  deemed  an  utter  impossibility,  such  was  the 
fearful  power  of  the  sea.    But  just  at  this  moment,  Mr.  Stlyanus 


80  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.     - 

• 

Hardy  volunteered  to  take  charge  of  her,  and  called  for  a  crew.  Ed- 
ward S.  Jones,  William  Yates,  William  J.  Fisher,  Peter  Eagan, 
Peter  H.  Eaton  and  William  Conners,  promptly  responded.  They 
succeeded  in  reaching  the  vessels  and  saving  several  of  the  men, 
which  deed  justly  entitles  them  to  honorable  mention. 

During  the  delay  attendant  upon  the  successful  launching  of  the 
life-boat,  it  was  evident  by  those  on  the  beach  that  the  men  on  board 
one  of  the  vessels  might  be  saved  if  a  rope  was  got  on  board.  But 
who  would  risk  his  life  to  carry  the  line  ?  There  was  danger  in  per- 
forming such  a  feat,  especially  if  the  person  was  not  an  expert  swim- 
mer and  possessed  of  strong  powers  of  endurance.  There  was  a 
pause  for  a  moment  among  the  men  on  the  beach,  when  a  voice  rang 
out  clearly,  speaking  the  cheering  words,  "  I  will  try  it ! "  It  was 
Mr.  Moses  Merlett  who  uttered  these  inspiring  words,  and  his  ap- 
pearance betokened  that  he  was  in  earnest  and  ready  to  risk  his  life 
to  aid  those  on  board  the  wrecked  vessel.  He  was  soon  prepared  for 
the  perilous  task,  and  plunged  into  the  seething  waters.  The  feat 
was  attended  with  much  danger ;  but  the  noble  fellow  swam  vigor- 
ously and  persevered  until  he  reached  the  vessel,  and  succeeded  in 
rescuing  three  of  the  crew,  who  saved  themselves  by  dropping  into 
the  life-boat  from  the  rope.  Such  deeds  are  truly  heroic  —  when  men 
risk  their  lives  in  order  to  succor  those  in  distress. 

Yacht  Edith,  owned  by  Mr.  George  O.  H6vey,  was  caught  out  in 
this  gale  with  a  party  on  board,  among  whom  were  Mr.  Hovey,  Rev. 
Dr.  S.  K.  Lothrop,  and  the  Messrs.  Appleton  and  Dale.  Capt. 
George  Sawyer,  the  pilot,  was  in  command,  and  brought  her  to  under 
Ten  Pound  Island,  but  subsequently  concluded  it  best  to  run  for  her 
moorings  at  Fresh  Water  Cove,  which  were  safely  reached  after  much 
difficulty.  The  party  had  two  alternatives  before  them,  —  to  remain  on 
board  the  yacht  and  run  the  risk  of  her  going  ashore,  or  to  endeavor 
to  effect  a  landing  in  the  boat.  They  concluded  to  accept  the  latter, 
and  after  considerable  exertion  were  safely  landed.  Shortly  after, 
the  yacht  dragged  he'r  anchors  and  went  ashore  on  Rattlesnake  Head, 
and  such  was  the  force  of  the  waves,  that  it  was  impossible  to  make 
any  attempt  to  rescue  Capt.  Sawyer  and  his  crew  from  their  perilous 
situation  until  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  when  Messrs.  Isaac 
Morse,  Daniel  S.  Parsons,  Joseph  W.  B.  IIillier  and  Ambrose 
Wise  succeeded  in  reaching  the  wreck,  and  brought  the  men  on  shore. 
They  were  very  nearly  exhausted,  and  could  not  have  survived  but  a 
short  time  longer.  These  men  performed  an  heroic  act,  attended 
with  great  danger;  but  they  conquered  every  obstacle,  displaying 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  81 

great  bravery  and  coolness.  The  Mass..  Humane  Society  remembered 
them  with  suitable  testimonials  of  tljeir  appreciation  of  the  gallant 
deed  thoy  had  accomplished.  The  yacjit  was  subsequently  got  off  and 
repaired. 

During  the  galo-ten  of  our  fishing  fleet  were  driven  ashore  along 
the  coast,  three  of  which  proved  total  wrecks,  and  are  enumerated  Id 
the  list  of  that  year's  losses.  Most  of  the  others  required  large  out- 
lays for  repairs. 


Sea  Fish  and  Fisheries. 

If  the  Bca  is  prodigal  of  life  to  u  degree  tliat  baffles  our  powers 
of  conception  and  calculation,  it  is  no  less  a  scene  of  boundless  de- 
struction. The  life  of  all  fishes  is  one  of  perpetual  warfare,  and  the 
only  law  that  pervades  the  great  world  of  waters  is  that  of  the 
strongest,  the  swiftest  and  the  most  voracious.  The  carnage  of  the 
sea  immeasurably  exceeds  even  that  which  is  permitted  to  perplex 
our  reason  on  the  earth.  "We  know,  however,  that  without  it  the 
population  of  tlie  ocean  would  soon  become  so  immense  that,  vast  as 
it  is,  it  would  not  suffice  for  its  multitudinous  inhabitants.  Few  fish- 
es probably  die  a  natural  death,  and  some  seem  to  have  been  created 
solely  to  devour  others.  There  is  probably  none  which  does  not  feed 
on  some  other  species  or  its  own.  Many  of  the  monsters  that  roam 
the  watery  plains  are  provided  with  maws  capable  of  engulfing  thou- 
sands of  their  kind  in  a  day.  A  hogshead  of  herrings  has  been 
taken  out  of  the  belly  of  a  whale.  A  shark  probably  destroys  tens 
of  thousands  in  a  jear.  Fifteen  full  sized  herrings  have  been  found 
in  the  stomach  of  a  cod.  If  wc  allow  a  codfish  only  two  heiiings  per 
day  for  only  seven  mouths  in  the  year,  we  have  420  as  his  allowance 
during  that  period,  and  fifty  codfish  equal  one  fisherman  in  destruc- 
tive power.  But  the  quantity  of  cod  and  of  ling,  which  are  as  de- 
structive as  cod,  taken  in  18G1,  and  registered  by  the  Scotch  fisher}' 
board  was,  say  the  commissioners,  over  81,000  cwts.  On  an  aver- 
age thirty  codfish  make  one  hundred  w^eight  of  dried  fish,  and  2,400,- 
000  will  equal  48,000  fishermen.  In  other  words,  the  cod  and  ling 
caught  on  the  Scotch  coast  in  1861,  if  they  had  been  left  in  the  water 
would  have  devoured  as  manj'  herrings  as  were  caught  by  all  the  fish- 
ermen of  Scotland,  and  6,000  more  in  the  same  year.  Compared  with 
the  enormous  consumption  of  fish  by  birds  and  by  each  other,  the 
draughts  made  upon  the  population  of  the  sea  by  man,  with  all  his  in- 
genious fishing  devices  seem   to  dwindle  into  absolute  insignificance. 


82  fisherjien's  memorial  and  record  book. 

4 


Big  Trips  in  the  Bank,  Georges,  Mackerel  and 
Haddock  Fisheries. 

As  a  matter  of  interest  and  for  general  reference,  we  publish  be- 
low some  of  the  largest  stocks  made  in  the  Grand  Bank,  Georges, 
Mackerel  and  Haddock  fisheries,  during  the  past  ten  years.  These 
stocks,  however,  are  exceptional,  and  not  the  rule.  Fifteen  hundred 
to  two  thousand  dollars  is  considered  a  very  good  amount  for  a  fresh 
halibut  Bank  trip,  although  stocks  from  two  to  three  thousand  dol- 
lars are  not  uncommon.  Stocks  from  three  to  four  thousand  dollars 
are  rare,  and  in  but  very  few  instances  has  a  vessel  exceeded  $4,000. 
One  vessel,  only,  has  stocked  rising  $5,000. 

A  Grand  Banker  averages  about  nine  trips  a  year,  and  the  trips 
vary  from  $8,000  to  $17,000  ;  $12,000  being  about  the  average.  It  is 
not  always  the  vessel  which  gets  the  largest  number  of  halibut  that 
makes  the  biggest  stock.  It  all  depends  upon  hitting  the  market  right. 
The  highest  stocks  realized  have  been  on  fares  of  from  forty  to  fifty 
thousand  pounds,  while  it  is  frequently  the  case  that  fares  of  from 
seventy-five  to  one  hundred  thousand,  arriving  when  the  market  is  a 
little  glutted,  realize  less  than  $2,000  stock. 

The  Grand  Bank  halibut  fishery  is  of  comparatively  recent  date. 
The  first  vessel  from  this  port  that  went  there  for  halibut,  was  the 
Hattie  M.  Lyons,  Capt.  George  W.  Miner,  owned  by  Messrs.  D.  C.  & 
H.  Babson.     She  left  here  in  May,  1865,  and  made  her  trip  in  four 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  83 

weeks,  bringing  in  75,000  pounds  of  halibut  and  6,000  [  ounds  of 
codfish ;  her  net  stock  amounting  to  $3,408,  which  was  the  largest 
stock  up  to  that  time  ever  made  in  a  halibut  trip.  The  following 
year  several  other  vessels  engaged  in  the  business,  and  it  soon  bo- 
camo  a  prominent  branch  of  the  fisheries. 

BIO  TRIPS   IK  TOE  BANK   FISHERY. 

The  largest  stock  made  in  a  season's  fishing  to  the  Banks  was  that 
of  schooner  Racer,  Capt.  "Walter  Fait,  in  18G6,  amounting  to  $22,000. 
Capt.  "Wm.  Thompson,  now  master  of  schooner  Alfred  Walen,  was  one 
of  the  Racer's  crew  that  year,  and  was  "  high  line,"  realizing  $1,300 
as  his  share  of  the  stock,  —  a  pretty  good  year's  work. 

Schooner  Mary  Carlisle,  Capt.  William  Thompson,  comes  next  on 
the  list,  having  made  nine  trips  to  the  Banks  in  1871,  and  landed 
350,188  pounds  of  halibut,  and  58,759  pounds  of  codfish,  her  net 
stock  amounting  to  $17,275.53.  She  commenced  the  season  Dec. 
27th,  J870,  and  arrived  from  her  last  trip  Nov.  21st,  '71,  having  been 
employed  about  eleven  months.  Her  crew  numbered  ten  men,  who 
shared  $858.02  each.  The  Mary  Carlisle  has  been  an  unusually  lucky 
vessel,  Capt.  Thompson  having  stocked  in  18C9,  $17,549;  in  1870, 
$12,047;  in  1871,.  $17,275.53 ;  a  total  of  $46,871  in  three  years. 
Owned  by  the  master,  and  Leighton  &  Co. 

Schooner  Oliver  Eldridge,  Capt.  Michael  McDonald,  in  1872, 
stocked  $16,097.40  in  eight  trips  to  the  Grand  Banks.  Owned  by 
Greorge  Steele. 

Schooner  Frank  A.  Williams,  Capt.  Dennis  C.  Murphey,  the  same 
year  stocked  $15,855.43.  Owned  by  William  C.  Wonson  and  the 
master. 

The  highest  stock  ever  made  in  a  single  fresh  halibut  Bank  trip 
was  that  of  schooner  N.  II.  Phillips,  Capt.  William  McDonald,  in 
1871.  She  weighed  off  47,650  pounds  of  halibut,  which  brought 
$5,105,  and  9,390  pounds  codfish,  which  brought  $256,  making  the 
total  stock  $5,361.  Crew  shared  $213.42  each.  Time  occupied  in 
making  the  trip,  five  weeks.  On  her  former  trip  she  stocked  $3,781, 
the  crew  sharing  $150  each,  making  a  total  of  $9,142  for  both  trips, 
made  within  nine  weeks.     Owned  by  Walen  &  Allen. 

Schooner  Mary  Carlisle,  Capt.  William  Thompson,  in  1871,  brought 
in  58,553  pounds  halibut,  and  6,900  pounds  codfish,  her  net  stock 
amounting  to  $4,738.75.  Crew  shared  $236.25  each.  Time  occupied 
in  making  the  trip,  thirt3'-four  days. 

Schooner  Sarah  P.  Ayer.  Capt.  J.  Marsh  Thurlow,  in  1869,  in  a 


84  fisherbien's  memorial  akd  record  book. 

thirtj'-dfiys'  trip  to  the  Grand  Banks,  stocked  84,251,  the  crew  shar- 
ing $670  each.  Capt.  Thurlow  was  very  lucky  that  year,  having 
stocked  in  five  trips  upwards  of  $12,000.     Owned  by  Dennis  &  Ayer. 

Schooner  Aphrodite,  Capt.  Randall  McDonald,  in  1867,  stocked 
$4,126.72,  having  been  absent  only  twenty  days.  Crew  shared 
$171.51  each.     Owned  by  Dennis  &  Ayer. 

Schooner  "William  T.  Merchant,  Capt.  Nelson  McKenney,  in  1808, 
stocked  $4,200  on  a  fare  of  48,310  pounds  of  halibut,  the  trip  occu- 
pying twenty-six  days.     Owned  b}'  Shute  &  Merchant. 

Schooner  C.  B.  Manning,  Capt.  Charles  II.  Nute,  in  1869,  stocked 
$4,033  on  a  fare  of  40,000  pounds  of  halibut,  and  14,000  pounds  cod- 
fish. The  trip  was  made  in  four  weeks,  the  crew  sharing  $161.06 
each.     Owned  by  Peter  Sinclair. 

Schooner  Elisha  Crowell,  Capt.  Tiiompson,  in  1870,  brought  in 
60,260  pounds  halibut,  having  been  absent  less  than  four  weeks,  and 
Blocked  $4,000.  Crew  shared  $162.04  each.  Owned  by  Walen  & 
Allen. 

Schooner  Peter  D.  Smith,  Capt.  Burnham,  in  1871,  stocked  $3,928- 
.84  on  a  fare  of  45,638  pounds  halibut,  the  crew  sharing  $160.55  each. 
Cook,  $191.03.     Time  absent,  five  weeks.     Owned  by  Smith  &  Oakes. 

Schooner  Mary  G-.  Dennis,  Capt.  Randall  McDonald,  in  1868, 
brought  in  75,395  pounds  halibut,  and  9,950  pounds  codfish,  and 
stocked  $3,604.85.  Crew  shared  $143.85  each.  Time  absent,  four 
weeks.  This  same  schooner  in  1872,  weighed  off  105,000  pounds 
halibut,  the  largest  fare  of  fresh  halibut  ever  landed  at  this  port. 
Prices  ruled  low  at  the  time,  and  she  realized  but  $2,000  stock. 
Owned  by  Dennis  &  A3-er. 

The  second  largest  fare  of  fresh  halibut  was  brought  in  by  schooner 
Montana,  Capt.  Moses  Welch,  in  1868,  who  landed  95,773  pounds 
halibut,  and  2,250  pounds  codfish,  her  stock  amounting  to  $3,265. 
Owned  by  Rowe  &  Jordan. 

LARGEST   SALT   FAEES. 

The  largest  fare  of  fletched  halibut  ever  landed  at  this  port  was 
that  of  schooner  Caleb  Eaton,  Capt.  John  McQuinn,  in  the  Greenland 
fishery,  in  1870.  She  brought  in  177,300  pounds  of  fletched  halibut 
and  183  barrels  of  fins,  which  were  purchased  by  Dodd,  Tarr  &  Co., 
for  nine  and  ten  cents  per  pound,  the  fare  amounting  to  $17,811.  In 
addition  to  the  above  were  several  barrels  of  salmon,  which  were  sold 
at  a  good  price,  and  her  entire  stock  amounted  to  about  $20,000. 
Time  occupied  in  making  the  trip,  about  four  months.  The  Caleb 
Eaton  is  owned  by  Messrs.  Brown  &  Seavy,  of  Boston. 


nSnERMEN'S    MEMORIAL  AND  IlECORD  BOOK.  85 

The  largest  salt  fare  IVora  the  Grand  Banks  was  bronglit  In  by 
schooner  Reunion,  Capt.  Belcher  Torre}*,  in  1868.  She  weighed  off 
153,044  pounds  Imlibnt,  and  23.8?'a  pounds  codfisl),  her  net  stock 
amounting  to  $8,3.')4.  The  crew  siiared  $28G.C3  each.  Time  absent, 
twelve  weeks.     Chartered  by  D.  C.  &  II.  Babson. 

Schooner  Carrie  P.  Morton,  Capt.  Charles  A.  Keenc,  in  the  season 
of  1873,  weighed  off  192,000  pounds  codfish,  and  28,050  pounds  hali- 
but, her  net  stock  amounting  to  $7,888.  Crew  shared  S32G.1G  each. 
Time  absent,  five  months.     Owned  by  "Walcn  &  Allen. 

Schooner  Knight  Templar,  Capt.  Michael  McDonald,  the  present 
year,  weighed  off  85,000  pounds  halibut,  and  73,938  pounds  codfish, 
her  net  stock  amounting  to  $7,681,251  Considering  the  time  occupied 
in  making  the  trip,  which  was  but  two  and  a  half  months,  this  is  the 
best  Bank  stock  made.    Owned  by  George  Steele. 

Schooner  Bon:  Porley  Poorc,  Capt.  Charles  II.  Nute,  in  1872, 
brought  in  180,095  pounds  codfish,  and  10,597  pounds  halibut,  her 
stock  amounting  to  $G,345.C9.  Crew  shared  $257.29  each.  Time 
absent,  fourteen  weeks.    Owned  by  Peter  Sinclair. 

LARGEST  GEORGES  TJIIPS. 

In  1865,  schooner  Evcrclt  Steele,  Capt.  Cash,  brought  in  75,769 
pounds  codfish,  and  stocked  $2,824.55,  the  largest  stock  ever  made 
in  a  single  trip  to  Georges.  The  cook  realized  $184.04  as  his  share. 
A  pretty  good  fortuighl's  work.  Average  share  of  crew  $130.  The 
following  year,  under  command  of  Capt.  Jas.  Luuucrkin,  she  brought 
in  99,338  pounds  fish,  and  stocked  $2,738.05  ;  and  in  1809,  under  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Jos.  Goslin,  weighed  off  102,075  pounds  (the  largest 
amount  ever  landed  in  one  Georges  trip),  and  stocked  $2,7C0.G0,  the 
cook  realizing  $1G0  as  his  share  ;  average  share,  $125.  The  several 
trips  occupied  about  a  fortnight  each.     Owned  b\-  George  Steele. 

Schooner  Madame  Roland,  Capt.  Lundcrkin,  in  18G5,  stocked 
$2,217.76  on  her  first  trip  to  Georges,  and  $2,833.29  on  her  second, 
a  total  of  $5,050,75  in  two  trips.     Owned  by  George  Steele. 

The  same  year,  schooner  Abby  M.  Heath,  Capt.  Lee,  stocked 
S2,C25  in  a  Georges  trip,  and  schooner  Yv'iLcbcraft,  $2,535.  George 
11.  "Wixon,  the  steward  of  the  latter,  receiving  $243.32  as  his  share 
of  the  trip ;  the  largest  amount  ever  realized  by  one  man  in  a  single 
trip.     Owned  by  the  master  and  others. 

Schooner  Morning  Star,  Cai,t.  Ililtz,  in  186G,  stocked  $2,400  on  a 
Georges  trip,  and  schooner  William  J.  Raymond,  Capt.  Gctchdl,  in 
1873,  stocked  $2,347.12.     Owned  by  Dennis  &  Aver. 


86  FISHEEMEN'S  MEMOEIAIi  AND  RECORD  BOOK. 

Schooner  William  J.  Dale,  Capt.  David  A.  Osier,  in  1868,  brought 
in  99,740  pounds  codfish,  and  2,512  pounds  halibut.  Her  net  stock 
amounting  to  $2,073,  fish  being  low  in  price  at  that  time.  Owned 
by  Dodd,  Tarr  &  Co. 

The  largest  season's  stock  in  the  Georges  fishery  was  made  by 
schooner  Laughing  Water,  Capt.  Jos.  Goslin,  in  1865,  her  net  stock  in 
eleven  trips  amounting  to  $14,843.84.  She  also  made  one  trip  to  the 
Bay  the  same  season,  her  net  stock  for  the  year  amounting  to 
$17,954.30.  The  high  line  made  $1,105.37,  and  the  cook,  $1,402.93. 
Owned  by  John  Pew  &  Son. 

LARGEST  MACKEREL  STOCKS. 

The  largest  stock  made  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence  mackerel  fish- 
ery, was  that  of  schooner  Col.  Ellsworth,  Capt.  George  Robinson,  in 
1865.  She  was  absent  about  five  months,  her  net  stock  amounting 
to  $13,728.  The  high  liner's  share  was  $558  ;  cook's,  $582.  Louis 
Wagner,  the  murderer,  was  one  of  the  Ellsworth's  crew  that  year. 
His  share  amounted  to  $307.    Owned  by  Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Schooner  Gen.  Grant,  Capt.  Coas,  in  1864,  stocked,  in  two  trips  to 
the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  $11,254.94  clear  of  all  expenses.  The  high 
line  made  $502.24  ;  cook's  share,  $638.17. 

Schooner  Nor'wester,  Capt.  Daniel  Hillier,  the  same  year,  stocked 
$9,721.74,  net,  in  one  Bay  trip  ;  the  high  liner  making  $308.60,  and 
the  cook,  $486.61.    Both  vessels  owned  by  John  Pew  &  Son. 

Schooner  General  Sherman,  Capt.  George  W.  Miner,  in  1864,  in  a 
three  months'  trip  to  the  Bay,  packed  612  barrels  of  mackerel,  her 
net  stock  amounting  to  $9,696.  High  liner's  share,  $575.06.  Owned 
by  D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 

Schooner  Kit  Carson,  Capt.  Horace  Merry,  in  1865,  brought  in  591 
barrels  of  mackerel,  having  been  absent  about  ten  weeks.  Her  net 
stock  amounted  to  $6,542.  High  liner's  share,  $260.  Owned  by 
Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Schooner  James  G.  Tarr,  Capt.  Robert  Reeves,  in  1866,  stocked 
$5,824  in  a  nine  weeks'  trip  to  the  Bay.  Cook's  share,  $331.76. 
Owned  by  Dodd,  Tarr  &  Co. 

Schooner  Seddie  C.  Pyle,  Capt.  Richard  Warren,  in  1871,  packed 
1,070  barrels  mackerel  caught  ofi"  this  shore,  in  addition  to  18,000 
southern  mackerel  sold  fresh  in  New  York,  in  the  spring.  Her  net 
stock  for  the  year  was  $10,561.66.  High  liner's  share,  $491.38; 
cook's  share,  $708.52.    Owned  by  George  Friend  &  Co. 

Schooner  Eureka,  Capt.  Rowe,  in  1868,  in  six  months  mackereling 


FISHEIUIEN's  SIEMORIAL  and  REC50BD  BOOK.  87 

off  this  shore,  packed  935  barrels,  her  stock  amounting  to  $10,748.33. 
High  liner's  share,  $440.82  ;  cook's  shore,  $473.70.  Owned  by  Smith 
&  Gott,  and  the  master. 

LARGEST    nADDOCK   STOCKS. 

The  largest  stock  made  in  one  day's  fishing  in  the  shore  winter 
fishery,  was  that  of  schooner  Eastern  Queen,  Capt.  William  Corliss, 
who  carried  into  Boston,  March  3d,  1873,  25,000  pounds  of  haddock, 
and  stocked  $1,100.  The  Queen  also  made  the  largest  stock  of  the 
season,  having  realized  in  five  months'  fishing  $10,250  clear  of  all 
expenses.  Crew  shared  $560  each.  Owned  by  the  master,  and  John 
Pew  &  Son. 

Schooner  Jennie  B.  Thomas,  Capt  Henry  B.  Thomas,  is  second 
highest  of  the  fleet,  having  stocked  in  the  season  of  1872-3,  $8,000 
in  five  and  a-half  months*  fishing.  Crew  shared  $377  each.  Owned 
by  the  master,  and  Joseph  Friend. 

Schooner  Angle  S.  Friend,  Capt.  McLaln,  in  1870-71,  stocked 
$7,700  in  five  months'  fishing.  Owned  by  the  master  and  Joseph 
Friend. 

Schooner  Maud  Mullcr,  Capt.  Nathaniel  Smith,  in  1871-2,  stocked 
$6,600  in  four  months'  fishing.     Owned  by  Smith  &  Gott. 

Schooner  Mary  Odell,  Capt.  McLain,  in  November,  1872,  stocked 
$1,260  on  a  haddock  trip ;  the  result  of  three  days'  fishing. 


How  the  "Knkey"  Charles  Weathered  It. 

In  the  month  of  October,  1810,  a  tremendous  gale  and  snow-storm 
was  experienced  along  the  Atlantic  coast.  It  was  remembered  for 
j'ears  afterwards  as  the  "  October  gale."  At  this  time  the  fishermen 
who  had  been  out  were  fortunate  enough  to  make  the  harbor  in  good 
time,  with  the  exception  of  one,  the  boat  Charles,  of  about  ten  tons, 
manned  by  John  Atkinson  and  Nathaniel  Millet,  which  was  missing, 
and  given  over  by  many  as  inevitably  lost.  A  week  or  more  after- 
ward one  day,  when  "  the  south  wind  blew  softly,"  "  pinkey  "  made 
her  appearance,  and  ran  into  the  harbor  all  right.  The  terrible  north- 
easter was  down  upon  them  with  its  blinding  snow ;  they  could  not 
make  Cape  Ann,  so  they  up  helm  and  "  let  'er  rip  "  across  the  Bay, 
and  after  a  pretty  severe  thrashing,  made  a  harbor  at  Chatham. 


88  FlSHEEItlEN'S   MEMORIAL   AND   RECORD   BOOK. 


Loss  of  Two  Eockport  Schooners. 


Thrilling  Narrative  of  Mr.  Charles  Jordan^  Sole  Survivor  of  the 
Crew  of  the  Schooner  Helen  Eliza  —  His  Perilous  Position  and 
Wonderful  Escape. 

The  saddest  disasters  of  the  gale  of  September  8th,  1869,  were  the 
loss  of  schooners  Helen  Eliza  and  Yankee  Girl,  of  Rockport,  with  all 
onboard — twentj^-three  men,  with  one  exception,  Mr.  Charles  Jor- 
dan, whose  narrow  escape  we  publish  in  this  connection. 

Schooner  Helen  Eliza  went  ashore  at  the  south  end  of  Peak's 
Island,  Portland  Harbor,  and  went  to  pieces  in  a  short  time.  Had  a 
crew  of  twelve  men,  as  follows :  Edward  J.  Millett,  master ;  Emer- 
son Colby,  David  B.  Harris,  Frederic  T.  Lane,  George  Wood,  Albert 
Tarr,  Charles  H.  Clark,  Benjamin  Lurvey,  Joel  Fairbanks,  James 
Bray,  George  W.  Clark.  Owned  by  Capt.  Millett,  and  others,  of 
Eockport.  Frederic  T.  Lane  belonged  in  Gloucester ;  the  remain- 
der in  Eockport. 

Schooner  Yankee  Girl  was  probably  sunk  in  this  gale,  as  she  was 
never  Iicard  of  afterward.  Had  a  crew  of  eleven  men,  as  follows : 
Clifton  Atwood,  master;  Horace  Atwood  (son  of  master).  Freeman 
and  Henry  Abbott  (brothers),  Alfred  Giles,  Thomas  Williams, 
David  H.  Elwell,  all  of  Eockport ;  James  Cann  and  James  Kellogg, 
of  Rockland,  Me ;  Isaac  Forrester,  of  East  Boston,  and  one  eastern 
man,  name  unknown.  Owned  by  Capt.  Atwood,  William  H.  Brad- 
ley, Jr.,  and  others. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  89 

The  fact  that  out  of  a  crew  of  twelve  men  belonging  to  the  schooner 
Helen  Eliza,  of  Rockport,  but  one  man  was  saved,  awakened  a 
feeling  of  intense  interest  in  this  vicinity  to  learn  the  full  particulars. 
In  an  interview  with  Mr.  Jordan,  the  survivor,  we  obtained  the  fol- 
lowing thrilling  inciilents :  — 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  forenoon  of  the  8th  inst.,  the  weather 
looked  threatening,  and  Capt.  Millett  concluded  to  run  into  Portland 
harbor.  The  firet  land  made  was  Ram  Island,  about  a  mile  outside 
of  White  Head.  During  the  latter  part  of  the  afternoon  a  thick  fog 
set  in,  which  was  followed  by  a  perfect  deluge  of  rain,  and  the  wind 
increased  until  it  blew  a  regular  hurricane.  Both  anchors  were  let 
go,  but  the  cables  parted,  and  the  vessel  was  put  under  short  sail. 
The  gale  increased  fcarfull}',  and  the  jib  was  blown  clean  out  of  the 
bolt-ropes.  Saw  Portland  Light,  which  they  undertook  to  run  for, 
but  were  too  far  to  the  eastward  to  strike  the  channel.  There  was  no 
earthly  help  for  Ihcin  now  ;  with  both  anchors  gone,  the  wind  blowing 
a  Jmrricaue,  and  a  tremendous  sea  running,  there  was  but  little  doubt 
that  the  vessel  would  go  ashore  at  Peak's  Island,  and,  in  that  event, 
the  chances  of  being  saved,  in  such  a  dangerous  locality,  were  slim 
indeed.  The  prospect  was  a  gloomy  one,  but  the  crew  were  undaunted, 
and  resolved  to  do  their  best.  Capt.  Millett  stood  at  his  post  of 
duty  at  the  helm,  to  the  very  last  moment,  and  in  all  probability 
received  his  death-blow  from  the  main  boom. 

After  running  some  twenty  minutes,  the  thumping  of  the  vesseFa 
bottom  gave  evidence  that  the  critical  time  was  near  at  hand.  She 
did  not  stop  in  her  course,  but  kept  moving.  Jordan  went  into  the 
forecastle  and  stripped  himself  of  everything  but  his  shirt  and  pants 
for  the  coming  trial.  lie  had  hard!}'  done  so  when  the  vessel  struck 
heavily,  smashing  in  the  bow,  instantly  killing  five  persons  who  were 
with  him.  He  immediately  ran  into  the  hold,  when  a  tremendous 
sea  knocked  off  the  deck  and  he  was  swept  into  the  raging  waters. 
"With  a  coolness  and  presence  of  mind  hardly  creditable,  he  seemed, 
as  if  by  intuition,  to  at  once  realize  his  position,  and,  being  an  expert 
swimmer,  made  for  the  wreck,  which  he  reached,  and  clinging  to  it 
regained  his  breath  and  got  rested.  Seeing  an  empty  barrel  floating 
near,  he  let  go  his  hold  of  the  wreck,  and  was  fortunate  enough  to 
secure  it.  Placing  his  breast  upon  the  head,  he  forced  the  empty 
portion  under  water.  This  served  as  a  great  support,  and  with  it  he 
attempted  to  effect  a  landing. 

The  waves  ran  fearfully  high,  and  as  he  was  borne  along  he  passed 
•    Geo.  W.  Clark  and  Benjamin  Lurvey,  two  of  his  shipmates,  who  were 


90  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

clinging  to  a  plank.    If  ever  in  his  life  he  desired  company,  it  was 
at  this  critical  time ;  but  prudence  whispered  that  he  must  not  make 
himself  known,  for  if  he  did  the  chances  of  escape  of  all  three  would 
be  rendered  far  more  hazardous.     He  heard  them  each  speak  of  their 
fearful  position,  and  doubting  whether  they  should  be  able  to  hold 
on ;  and  the  last  words  he  heard  them  utter  was  a  promise  that  if 
either  was  saved,  they  would  tell  the  folks  at  home  the  full  particu- 
lars.   It  now  required  his  utmost  efforts  to  keep  the  barrel  in  posi- 
tion, as  the  undertow  was  very  powerful ;  but  he  managed  to  do  so, 
and  soon  saw  a  ledge  of  rocks.    To  effect  a  landing  amid  the  surf  as 
it  beat  against  its  sides,  without  being  injured,  was  a  dangerous  task ; 
the  waves  at  one  time  heaving  him  toward  the  ledge,  then  retreating, 
would  engulf  him  in  their  treacherous  grasp,  threatening  every  mo- 
ment to  bury  him  beneath  the  water.    But  by  the  help  of  his  barrel 
he  succeeded,  and  inserting  his  fingers  in  the  crevices  of  the  rocks, 
commenced  the  toilsome  passage  up  their  jagged  sides,  reaching 
the  top  completely  exhausted.    While  resting,  he  heard  the  voice  of 
Clark,  who  was  hailing  some  one.    He  answered  the  call,  telling  him 
where  he  was,  and  enjoining  upon  him  to  hold  on  and  try  to  get  upon 
the  ledge.    He  did  not  hear  him  again,  and  probably  the  two  men 
were  instantly  swallowed  up  in  the  undertow.    He  soon  found  that 
the  ledge  did  not  form  a  part  of  the  island,  but  was  covered  at  high 
water,  and,  as  the  tide  was^  coming  in,  he  knew  that  he  was  not  yet 
out  of  danger.     After  a  little  time  he  again  plunged  into  the  seething 
waters ;  another  terrible  conflict  with  the  surf  followed,  in  which  it 
seemed  impossible  for  him  to  make  any  headway,  as  his  strength 
was  fast  failing.     Words  are  inadequate  to  describe  such  a  situation  ; 
moments  seemed  like  hours,  and  the  sullen  roar  of  the  waters  as  they 
beat  upon  the  rocks  was  an  awful  accompaniment.    He  neared  the 
shore,  the  dim  outline  of  which  he  saw,  and  making  one  desperate 
effort,  was  fortunate  in  effecting  a  landing  and  in  getting  himself  out 
of  reach  of  the  breakers.    It  was  now  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing, and  the  exertions  of  the  past  two  hours  began  to  tell  upon  him 
fearfully,  and  he  could  scarcely  lift  one  foot  before  the  other ;  but  he 
persevered,  and  emerged  into  a  pathway  which  led  him  to  a  house. 
It  proved  to  be  the  residence  of  Mr.  Smith  Hadlock.     The  inmates 
were  at  once  aroused,  and  were  unremitting  in  their  attentions,  fur- 
nishing him  with  a  suit  of  clothing,  and  doing  everything  in  their 
power  for  his  comfort. 

As  soon  as  he  had  partaken  of  refreshments  and  got  rested,  he 
accompanied  a  party  of  men  belonging  on  the  island,  in  search  for  the 


fishermen's  memorial  and  recxdrd  book. 


91 


bodies  of  his  shipmates.  Mr.  Jones,  landlord  of  the  hotel  on  tho 
island,  was  unremitting  in  his  attentions,  and  secured  for  him  a  Tree 
passage  home.  The  inhabitants  of  the  island,  mostly  poor  fishermen, 
made  him  up  a  purse  of  $18,  and,  while  in  the  depot  at  Portland,  $11 
was  raised  in  his  behalf.  The  Mayor  of  the  city  sought  him  out,  and 
was  also  very  kind. 

This  was  the  third  time  that  Mr.  Jordan  had  been  the  sole  survivor 
of  disaster.  Out  of  a  company  of  eighty,  confined  in  Libby  prison 
during  the  war,  he  was  the  only  one  who  lived  to  return  home  ;  and 
out  of  a  ship's  crew  of  thirty  men,  wrecked  on  Cape  Cod,  he  was  the 
only  one  saved. 

It  may  be  well  to  state  in  this  connection  that,  after  these  remark- 
able escapes,  his  death  was  finally  caused  by  accident.  While  en- 
gaged as  a  draw-tender  on  the  Boston  &  Maine  Railroad,  he  fell  from 
the  bridge  (during  the  early  part  of  April,  1873),  a  distance  of  fifteen 
feet,  to  the  platform  below,  and  was  so  seriously  injured  that  death 
ensued  on  Monday,  April  21st. 


92  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


Fishermen's  Superstitions— Eemarkable  Verification 
of  Dreams— Presentiments. 

Fishermen,  like  seamen,  are  quite  apt  to  be  a  little  superstitious, 
as  the  very  nature  of  a  seafaring  life  engenders  this,  and  nearly 
every  man  who  follows  the  avocation  has  some  pet  ideas  of  this  na- 
ture, which  he  cherishes  with  a  sort  of  sacredness,  which  possesses  to 
him  a  sense  of  reality,  and  becomes  as  it  were  a  part  of  his  life. 
Some  are  so  superstitious,  in  regard  to  sailing  on  Friday,  that  it  would 
be  next  to  an  impossibility  to  get  them  to  leave  port  on  that  day ; 
others  have  a  favorite  notion  of  pitching  coppers  and  nickel  coins  on 
Half-Way  Eock,  whenever  the  vessel  sails  near  enough  to  it,  for  this 
purpose,  and  entertain  an  idea  that  this  will  bring  them  good  luck  ou 
the  trip.  Then  again  there  is  an  idea  quite  prevalent  that,  if  a  single 
bird  should  alight  on  board  of  a  vessel,  as  they  sometimes  will,  when 
blown  far  away  from  land,  no  good  luck  will  come  from  the  trip.  So 
earnest  are  some  in  this  respect  that  they  have  actually  put  back  and 
changed  the  voyage.  It  would  indeed  be  very  singular  if  there  were 
not  instances  wliere  the  change  of  programme  has  not  resulted  satis- 
factorily, and  these  instances  have  strengthened  the  belief  in  the  omen. 
Some  believe  in  dreams,  and  are  quite  tenacious  on  the  subject,  and 
are  never  so  happj'  as  when  they  have  a  good  dream  of  their  own  to 
relate,  or  some  marvellous  tale  of  the  verification  of  dreams  which 
they  have  read  or  heard  tell  of.  Two  instances  of  the  remarkable 
verification  of  dreams  on  board  vessels  of  the  fleet  have  come  under 
our  notice,  as  follows  :  — 

THE   SINKING   OF   SCHOONER   SACHEM. 

The  springing  aleak  and  loss  of  schooner  Sachem,  of  this  port, 
occasioned  by  her  sinking  on  Georges,  September  8th,  1871,  was 
attended  by  a  singular  circumstance,  which  is  fully  substantiated  by 
the  master  of  the  vessel,  Capt.  J.  "Weuzell,  from  whose  log-book  we 
gleaned  the  particulars : 

The  vessel  left  Brown's  Bank  on  the  7th  of  September,  at  nine 
o'clock  P.M.,' for  Georges,  with  a  fresh  N.  W.  breeze.  At  midnight, 
the  steward,  John  Nelson,  arose  from  his  berth,  and  going  aft,  where 
the  skipper  was,  remarked,  in  an  agitated  voice,  his  whole  appearance 
indicating  great  fear :  — 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  93 

"  Skipper,  wo  are  to  have  a  severe  gale  of  wind,  or  something  else 
of  a  dangerous  nature  is  going  to  overtake  the  vessel,  and  wo  had 
better  make  land  if  wo  can,  or  at  least  keep  clear  of  Georges,  so  as 
not  to  have  it  so  rough  when  the  danger  comes." 

Cnpt.  W.  asked  him  what  made  him  think  so,  as  everything  was 
clour  at  the  time,  and  there  were  no  apprehensions  of  trouble  or  dan- 
ger. 

Nelson  replied,  "  I  have  been  dreaming,  and  twice  before  I  have 
had  the  same  kind  of  dreams  when  at  sea,  and  both  times  have  had 
narrow  chances  of  being  saved.  The  first  time  we  were  run  into,  the 
day  following  the  dream,  and  left  in  a  sinking  condition.  With  great 
efforts  in  bailing  and  pumping,  we  reached  the  coast  of  Norway. 
The  other  time  we  experienced  a  terrible  gale,  had  our  sails  blown 
away,  and  the  vessel  half  full  of  water ;  run  before  it  under  bare  poles, 
until  we  met  tho  northeast  trade  winds,  when  we  patched  her  up  and 
made  out  to  get  into  Havana." 

lie  then  told  the  purport  of  the  dreams,  which  were  of  females 
dressed  in  white,  either  standing  in  the  rain,  or  near  a  waterfall,  or 
attempting  to  cross  a  brook.  The  figures  in  each  dream  were  the 
same,  but  tho  surroundings  somewhat  different. 

The  steward  is  a  reliable  man,  and  was  so  much  in  earnest  that  the 
captain,  although  seeing  no  signs  of  a  gale  of  wind,  and  not  inclined 
to  be  superstitious,  concluded  it  best  to  bo  on  his  guard,  and  charged 
the  man  forward  to  keep  a  strict  watch. 

The  wind  was  now  increasing,  with  a  heavy  sea  rising,  and  at  half 
past  one  A.  M.,  the  vessel  was  about  five  miles  from  Georges  Banks. 
She  was  hove  to  under  a  close-reefed  foresail,  and  the}'  were  furling 
the  balance  reef,  when  a  white  light  was  observed  to  leeward,  suj)- 
posed  to  be  on  board  a  fisheiman  lying  at  anchor.  Suddenly  one  of 
the  crew  sang  out  from  the  forecastle,  "  The  vessel  is  filling  with  wa- 
ter ! "  Telling  him  not  to  alarm  the  men,  the  captain  went  down  and 
found  six  inches  of  water  on  top  the  floor.  The  pumps  were  imme- 
diately manned,  and  bailing  with  buckets  commenced,  after  which  the 
captain  went  sounding  around  in  the  hold  to  find  the  leak,  but  the 
vessel  was  rolling  so  hard  and  the  water  made  so  much  noise  among 
the  barrels  and  in  the  ice  house,  that  it  was  impossible  to  hear  any- 
thing else.  It  was  thought  the  leak  was  under  the  port  bow,  and  the 
vessel  was  wore  round  and  hove  to  on  the  other  tack,  in  hopes  to 
bring  tho  leak  out  of  water.  The  steward  was  told  to  get  some  pro- 
visions and  see  that  the  boat  was  ready  to  launch  at  a  moment's  no- 
tice.   It  was  now  blowing  a  strong  breeze  from  the  northward,  with 


94  fisheemen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

a  heavy  sea.  They  spoke  schooner  Pescador,  and  told  them  their 
condition.  With  all  their  pumping  and  bailing,  they  could  not  gain 
on  the  leak,  and  the  crew  were  determined  not  to  remain  on  board 
another  night.  The  tide  .swept  them  down  to  leeward  of  the  Pesca- 
dor, and  efforts  were  made  to  speak  her  again,  but  they  could  not 
reach  her.  Their  movements  were  seen  on  board  the  Pescador,  and. 
upon  asking  them  to  send  their  boat  to  take  them  off,  they  did  so  at 
once.  When  they  left  the  Sachem  the  water  was  eighteen  inches 
above  the  forecastle  floor.  At  2  P.  M.,  she  rolled  over  on  her  side, 
raised  herself  once,  then  plunged  under,  head  foremost,  the  master 
and  crew  feeling  thankful  to  God  that  they  had  escaped  and  were 
safely  on  board  the  good  schooner  Pescador. 

A  LITTLE   CHILD   FOUND   FLOATING  IN  A  BOX. 

From  Capt.  Samuel  Elwell,  master  of  the  schooner  Belvidere,  we 
learned  the  particulars  of  one  of  the  most  singular  verifications  of  a 
dream  which  has  ever  come  under  our  notice. 

On  Sunday  morning,  July  21st,  1872,  soon  after  breakfast,  while 
the  vessel  was  crossing  Georges,  Capt.  Elwell,  not  feeling  very  well, 
concluded  he  would  go  down  below  and  "  turn  in."  This  he  did,  and, 
after  getting  asleep,  dreamed  that  he  saw  a  dead  body  afloat  on  the 
water.  All  his  efforts  to  secure  it  proved  unavailing,  and  it  finally 
passed  under  the  counter  of  the  vessel.  His  dream  seemed  so  much 
like  reality,  and  his  efforts  to  secure  the  body,  and  disappointment  in 
not  being  enabled  to  do  so,  caused  him  to  awake,  and,  upon  going  on 
deck,  found  it  impossible  to  convince  himself  that  he  had  not  actually 
witnessed  the  scene  so  vividly  portrayed  in  the  dream.  It  made  such 
an  impression  upon  him  that  he  felt  intuitively  that  something  out  of 
the  common  course  would  soon  occur.  The  crew,  noticing  his  great 
uneasiness,  asked  the  cause,  and  he  told  them  of  the  dream,  and  they 
endeavored  to  convince  him  that  dreams  were  nothing  but  fancies  of 
the  tired  brain,  and  tried  to  withdraw  h'is  mind  from  the  subject ;  but 
all  of  no  avail. 

About  half  an  hour  after  the  captain  had  come  on  deck,  he  no- 
ticed a  box  some  distance  ahead,  floating  upon  the  water.  Upon  sail- 
ing up  to  it  he  made  endeavors  to  get  it  on  board,  but  it  eluded  his 
grasp,  and  went  under  the  counter  of  the  vessel.  They  sailed  on, 
but  the  captain  was  uneasy,  and  flnally  gave  orders  to  put  about,  and 
secure  the  box.  This  was  done,  and,  upon  opening  it,  there  was 
found  the  body  of  a  little  girl,  about  four  years  of  age,  who  had  ap- 
parently been  dead  some  ten  days.    It  was  lying  upon  seaweed, 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  95 

with  which  the  box  was  packed,  and  there  were  holes  bored  in  the 
sides,  which  indicated  that  it  was  the  purpose  of  the  perpetrator  of 
the  deed,  to  have  it  sink.  The  box  was  of  coarse  hard  wootl,  nailed 
securely,  and  it  was  evidently  made  for  the  purpose.  As  decomix)si- 
tion  of  the  body  had  commenced,  and  th^  vessel  was  not  to  retorn 
for  several  days,  it  was  nailed  up  and  sunk. 

8IKOULAB   PBESENTIMENT. 

Leonard  Mailman,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Vivace,  of  this  port, 
died  very  suddenly,  Aug.  31st,  1868,  while  the  vessel  was  on  Geor- 
ges, from  an  attack  of  bleeding  at  the  lungs,  and  while  attempting  to 
get  into  his  berth,  fell  back  into  the  arms  of  one  of  his  shipmates,  and 
expired  immediately.  Previous  to  his  making  the  trip  he  had  strong 
presentiments  that  he  never  should  return  alive.  This  he  communicated 
to  several  of  his  friends,  who  endeavored  to  laugh  the  matter  off  and 
get  it  out  of  his  mind  ;  but  it  was  of  no  avail.  So  strongly  impressed 
was  he  of  his  approaching  dissolution,  that,  just  before  leaving  for 
Georges,  he  wrote  a  letter  to  his  brother's  wife,  with  imperative  or- 
ders that  it  should  not  be  opened  until  she  saw  him  again.  He  was 
brought  back  a  corpse,  and,  on  openingthe  letter,  it  was  found  to  con- 
tain full  directions  in  reference  to  the  disposal  of  his  effects,  and 
other  matters  connected  therewith,  all  of  which  were  faithfully  com- 
plied with. 


96  nSHERMEN's   MEMOKIAL  AND  EECOED  BOOK. 


Greenland  and  Jcelaaid  Halibut  Fisheries. 

This  branch  of  the  fisheries  was  commenced,  in  1870,  by  Capt.  John 
S.  McQuinn,  of  East  Gloucester,  who  fitted  schooner  Caleb  Eaton,  of 
Boston,  for  a  summer  trip  upon  the  coast  of  Greenland,  in  pursuit  of 
halibut.  Capt.  McQuinn  made  a  successful  voyage,  and  arrived  home 
in  October,  after  about  four  months'  absence,  the  vessel  making  a 
stock  of  about  $20,000.  The  success  of  the  Eaton  induced  the  fitting 
out  of  a  fleet  of  six  vessels  in  the  business  the  next  season  (sum- 
mer of  1871),  but  the  vessels  met  with  a  small  catch,  5,500  quintals 
in  all,  and  one  vessel,  the  River  Queen,  was  lost  on  the  return  trip 
with  bcr  crew  of  twelve  men.  Last  year  there  were  six  vessels  en- 
gaged in  the  business,  meeting  with  excellent  weather  and  a  very  fair 
catch,  over  7,000  quintals  in  the  aggregate,  which  brought  good 
prices.  This  year  four  vessels  are  engaged  in  the  Greenland  fishery, 
schooners  Aaron  Burnham,  2d,  William  S.  Baker,  Caleb  Eaton  and 
Albert  Clarence. 

This  season,  1873,  has  witnessed  the  inauguration  of  another  new 
branch,  that  of  halibut-catching  on  the  coast  of  Iceland.  Capt. 
McQuinn,  who  had  been  so  successful  in  the  Greenland  fishery,  con- 
sidered the  chances  on  the  coast  of  Iceland  equally  as  good.  The 
schooner  Membrino  Chief  was  fitted  out  for  this  business,  and  sailed 
from  this  port  the  23d  of  May.  They  arrived  on  the  fishing  grounds 
on  the  9th  of  June,  but  the  weather  was  so  unfavorable  that  they 
could  not  catch  but  six  halibut  and  a  few  codfish.  The  vessel  re- 
mained in  Iceland  waters  five  weeks,  visiting  various  harbors  and 
cruising  on  the  fishing  grounds  whenever  the  weather  would  permit, 
but  catching  very  few  fish.  Among  the  points  visited  on  the  coast 
were  Underfiord,  Patricksford,  and  Allevick,  fishing  villages,  but 
Capt.  McQuinn  did  not  cruise  as  far  east  as  Reikiavik,  the  capital, 
where  the  governor  resides.  The  weather  proving  so  stormy  through 
the  early  part  of  July,  affording  such  limited  opportunities  for  fishing, 
that  Capt.  McQuinn  determined  to  abandon  the  enterprise,  and  on 
July  11th  set  sail  for  home,  which  he  safely  reached  on  the  13th  of 
August.  The  schooner  William  S.  Baker,  Capt.  Albion  Pearce,  who 
sailed  in  company  with  the  Membrino  Chief,  proceeded  to  Greenland, 
to  make  up  a  fare. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  boor.  97 

From  what  we  can  learn  respecting  the  Iceland  fishery,  the  trip  of 
the  Membrino  Chief  was  made  in  the  wrong  season.  It  is  said  that 
two  schools  of  fish,  which  afford  the  best  fishing,  frequent  the  coast 
each  year,  one  arriving  in  April,  and  the  other  in  September ;  there- 
fore this  trip  was  too  late  for  one,  and  too  early  for  the  other. 

France  employs  quite  a  fleet  in  the  cod-fishery  on  this  coast,  which 
usually  make  two  trips  in  a  season.  The  English,  also,  have  a  few 
vessels  engaged  in  it,  and  the  Danes,  to  whom  the  island  belongs, 
prosecute  a  large  and  profitable  fishing  business.  It  only  requires 
another  trial  on  the  part  of  the  Yankee  fishermen  to  learn  the  modus 
operandi,  and  we  should  not  be  at  all  surprised  if  some  of  our  skip- 
pers yet  make  successful  trips  to  Iceland.    Why  not? 


Estimated  Product  of  the  Fisheries  of  Gloucester 
for  the  Year  1872. 

384,000  quintals  codfish, $2,016,000 

67,395  barrels  mackerel, 781,825 

10,000       "       herring, 45,000 

Other  fish,  25,000  qtls., 87,500 

Shellfish, 20,000 

Fresh  fish,  8,000,000  pounds,      ...        -  250,000 

Oil,  225,000  gallons, 129,000 

Fresh  herring,  2,540,000  pounds,        -        -        -  125,000 

All  others, •  10,000 

Total,  $3,414,325 


ToNKAGE.  —  The  total  tonnage  of  the  District  of  Gloucester  for 
the  year  ending  June  80th,  1873,  is  28,565.66  tons,  an  increase  of 
16,982  tons  over  the  previous  year.  The  whole  number  of  vessels 
is  517,  employed  as  follows :  six  in  the  foreign  trade ;  ninety  in 
coasting ;  four  hundred  and  twenty  in  fishing ;  and  one  yacht. 


98 


fishermen's  memoeial  and  recoed  book. 


Remarkable  Escapes  of  Schooners    Onward  and  Seddie  C, 
Pylef  on  Georges  —  Loss  of  Schooners  A.  H,  Andrews 
and  Rescue  of  her  Crew  — Lost  in  the  Fog —  Res- 
cued from  the  Jaws  of  Death, 

On  the  night  of  August  2d,  1867,  while  the  schooner  Onward,  Capt. 
Wilkes,  was  lying  to  on  the  western  part  of  the  bank,  she  shipped  a 
heavy  sea,  which  capsized  her  and  carried  away  both  masts,  bowsprit 
and  the  upper-works,  even  with  the  deck.  The  man  who  was  keeping 
watch  stood  in  the  companion-way,  and,  seeing  the  sea  coming,  jumped 
below,  pulling  over  the  slide  in  season  to  keep  the  water  from  pour- 
ing into  the  cabin.  It  is  supposed  that  she  rolled  completely  over, 
as,  when  she  righted,  part  of  the  shrouds  were  under  the  keel,  and 
floated  on  the  opposite  side.  Some  of  the  ballast  also  got  shifted, 
and  the  fish  were  thrown  underneath.  Everything  movable  in  the 
cabin  and  forecastle  was  thrown  about  in  the  greatest  confusion. 
The  stove  was  pitched  into  the  cook's  berth,  and  he  narrowly  escaped 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  99 

being  crushed.  A  barrel  of  flour  in  the  hold  was  tossed  into  the 
middle  of  the  forecastle,  and  there  was  a  general  stirring  up. 
Luckily  the  vessel  shipped  but  little  water,  and,  the  ballast  being 
pretty  thoroughly  stanchioned  down,  she  soon  righted  again. 

As  soon  as  the  gale  had  abate<l,  the  men  proceeded  to  clear  the 
wreck.  The  only  articles  left  with  which  they  could  rig  jury-masts, 
were  the  traveller,  part  of  the  topmast,  aud  a  small  pole  whicli  had 
become  entangled  in  the  rigging  alongside.  These  they  soon  rigged, 
and,  taking  their  bed-clothing,  improvised  a  suit  of  sails.  Unfortu- 
nately the  compass  was  found  to  be  broken  and  useless ;  but  Capt. 
Wilkes  contrived  to  repair  it  so  as  to  make  it  answer  the  purpose, 
and  with  these  rude  facilities  they  shaped  their  course  for  home,  the 
wind  being  fair.  On  the  passage  they  were  fallen  in  with  by  schooner 
Matchless,  of  Boston,  who  offered  to  take  off  the  men,  but  they 
determined  to  stick  by  the  vessel,  as  there  was  plenty  of  provisions 
on  board,  and  they  were  getting  along  very  comfortably.  On  Satur- 
day morning,  after  a  week's  passage,  they  found  themselves  off 
Straitsmouth  Island,  where  they  spoke  the  Boston,  pilot  boat  No.  9, 
Capt.  John  Bruce,  who  kindly  offered  to  tow  them  into  Rockiwrt, 
which  offer  they  thankfully  accepted.  She  was  subsequently  towed 
to  this  port  by  the  steamer  Charles  Houghton.  Hundreds  of  people 
visited  her,  and  she  was  pronounced  by  all  the  most  complete  wreck 
that  ever  arrived  at  this  port. 

Schooner  Seddie  C.  Pyle,  Capt.  Richard  Warren,  was  capsized  in 
the  gale  of  Januaiy  30th,  1870.  She  rode  out  the  south-east  gale 
handsomely,  when  the  wind  suddenly  changed  to  the  north-west,  caus- 
ing a  heavy  cross  sea,  one  of  which  struck  the  schooner  under  the 
quarter,  an<l,  breaking  against  the  mainsail,  threw  the  vessel  on  her 
beam-ends.  The  crew  saved  themselves  by  clinging  to  the  side  of 
the  vessel.  Fortunately  one  of  their  number  had  a  large  jack-knife 
in  his  possession,  by  which  the  main  shrouds  were  cut,  when  the 
mainmast  broke  off  and  she  righted  nearly  full  of  water.  The  fore- 
mast was  subsequently  cut  away,  it  having  previously  been  broken 
off  at  the  step,  and  did  considerable  damage  to  the  forecastle  and 
deck,  before  it  could  be  cleared.  The  cable  was  then  cut,  aud  the 
crew  proceeded  to  pump  out  the  vessel,  after  which  they  rigged  a 
jury-mast  with  the  fore-boom,  and,  setting  the  jib  and  part  of  the 
foresail,  steered  to  the  westward.  Having  lost  their  fresh  water,  they 
were  obliged  to  melt  ice  for  a  supply  to  drink,  cooking  their  provis- 
ions in  salt  water.  During  the  next  eight  days  they  encountered 
several  vessels  at  different  times,  and  set  signals  of  distress  to  each. 


100  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

some  of  which  were  so  near  that  their  names  were  almost  visible  to 
those  on  the  wreck ;  but  all  passed  without  offering  any  assistance, 
until  they  fell  in  with  the  brig  Almon  Rowell,  Capt.  Atherton,  who 
supplied  the  schooner  with  water,  also  quadrant,  chart  and  epitome, 
and  at  the  request  of  her  master,  took  off  five  men  of  her  crew, 
leaving  five  on  board  the  vessel.  The  men  taken  off  were  landed  at 
Holmes'  Hole. 

After  parting  with  the  brig  on  the  7th  inst.,  all  hands  were  busily 
engaged  in  getting  the  vessel  in  the  best  running  order  possible 
under  the  circumstances.  A  jury-mast  was  made  by  tree-nailing 
some  plank  together,  and  part  of  the  foresail  taken  for  a  mainsail, 
which  put  the  vessel  in  better  sailing  condition.  They  then  run  until 
eleven  o'clock,  with  the  wind  N.  W.  by  N.,  and  it  was  judged  they 
were  twenty  miles  off  Sandy  Hook,  which  would  have  been  reached 
if  the  wind  had  held,  but  a  sudden  change  took  place,  the  wind  veer- 
ing round  W.  N.  W.,  and  at  sundown  it  blew  a  terrific  gale,  accom- 
panied with  heavy  snow  squalls.  The  vessel  was  hove  to  and  the 
gale  continued  three  days,  blowing  them  off  two  hundred  and  forty- 
five  miles  S.  S.  E.  from  Sandy  Hook.  Barque  Acacia  was  spoken  on 
Friday,  and  assistance  was  declined.  Had  light  wind  from  the  south- 
east until  five  P.  M.,  when  it  breezed  up  strong,  and  continued  blow- 
ing until  Sunday  morning,  February  13th.  At  noon  they  found  by 
observation  that  they  were  in  latitude  38.09,  with  fourteen  fathoms  of 
water.  At  one  P.  M.  schooner  Emily  A.  Bartle,  of  Philadelphia,  was 
spoken  with,  and,  not  wishing  to  be  blown  off  again,  signals  of  dis- 
tress were  set,  which  were  promptly  recognized,  and  they  were  towed 
into  Maurice  River,  N.  J.  The  names  of  the  men  who  stood  by  the 
vessel  and  brought  her  safely  to  port,  were  Richard  Warren  (master), 
George  W.  Dexter,  William  Martin,  Joseph  Carter  and  John  Shrader. 
They  are  well  deserving  of  credit  in  thus  risking  their  lives  to  save 
property. 

Schooner  A.  R.  Andrews,  Capt.  Maker,  broke  adrift  on  Georges, 
during  the  gale  on  Saturday  night,  March  6th,  1869,  and  was  knocked 
down  by  a  heavy  sea.  Her  masts  breaking  off,  she  subsequently 
righted,  and  fortunately  none  of  the  crew  were  lost.  Without  any 
sail  to  steady  her,  she  was  driven  before  the  tempest,  the  sea  often 
making  a  clean  breach  over  her,  while  the  crew  had  to  lash  them- 
selves in  the  most  sheltered  portions  of  the  wreck  to  avoid  being 
washed  away.  In  this  deplorable  condition,  the  brig  Como,  Capt. 
Williams,  from  Messina  for  New  York,  fell  in  with  them,  and,  after 
great  exertions  on  the  part  of  her  crew,  succeeded  in  saving  the 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  101 

sufferers.  They  were  blanched  and  fVozen,  with  barely  vitality 
enough  to  revive. 

Schooner  Charles  Haskell  had  a  very  narrow  escape  ft-om  founder- 
ing. On  Saturday  night,  during  the  same  gale,  dragged  her  anchors 
and  was  obliged  to  cut.  While  under  sail,  endeavoring  to  get  clear 
of  the  fleet,  came  into  collision  with  another  vessel,  staving  her  bow- 
sprit completely  through  her,  breaking  it  off,  carrying  away  her  head 
gear ;  then  rising  on  a  wave,  struck  her  again,  and  it  is  8upi)osed 
that  she  foundered,  and  all  on  board  perished.  The  Haskell  returned 
to  port,  and  her  disabled  condition  gave  some  idea  of  the  violence 
of  the  shock.  This  is  the  only  instance  known  where  two  vessels 
have  collided  on  Georges  and  one  has  escaped  foundering. 

The  gale  of  March  13th,  1870,  proved  quite  severe  on  Georges, 
and  the  schooner  Austerlitz,  of  this  port,  was  so  badly  disabled  that 
it  became  necessary  to  abandon  her  on  the  Banks.  On  Sunday  night, 
about  eleven  o'clock,  she  was  boarded  by  a  heav}'  sea,  when  the  cable 
parted,  and  the  schooner  falling  suddenly  astern,  brought  so  great  a 
strain  on  the  rudder  as  to  break  the  braces,  and  it  was  forced  up 
through  the  arch-board,  badly  damaging  the  stern,  and  causing  the 
water  to  pour  in  rapidly,  when  the  vessel  settled  into  the  sea.  No 
time  was  to  be  lost,  as  the  schooner  was  fast  filling,  and  the  crew 
went  speedily  to  work  and  shifted  the  fish  forward  to  lighten  her  aft 
as  much  as  possible.  The  bulk-head  in  the  cabin  was  then  cut  away 
to  get  at  the  leak,  and  all  the  bed-clothing  stuffed  into  the  apertures, 
which  checked  the  flow  of  water  considerably.  By  active  work  at  the 
pumps  the  vessel  was  kept  afloat  until  morning,  when  the  schooner 
Riverdale  was  spoken,  and,  on  learning  their  condition,  took  off  the 
crew. 

John  Maynard,  of  New  London,  and  William  Corthell,  of  Lyme, 
Conn.,  of  schooner  Gilson  Carman,  left  that  vessel  on  Georges,  March 
17th,  1869,  in  a  dory,  to  haul  their  trawls,  and,  while  doing  so,  a  very 
heavy  thunder  squall  sprang  up,  driving  them  from  the  Banks.  They 
had  at  the  time  several  halibut,  and  from  sixty  to  seventy  codfish, 
which  they  had  to  throw  overboard,  with  the  exception  of  one,  which 
they  retained  to  eat.  After  eating  a  little,  it  made  them  sick,  and 
they  were  obliged  to  throw  it  away.  On  Thursday  night  they  saw  a 
vessel,  but  were  unable  to  attract  her  attention  ;  were  drifting  about 
all  day  Friday  and  Friday  night,  without  anything  to  eat.  On  Sat- 
urday morning  a  duck  lit  in  the  vicinity  of  the  boat,  which  they  man- 
aged to  kill,  and  ate  it  raw.  On  Saturday  night,  when  they  had  nearly 
given  up  the  idea  of  being  saved,  they  made  a  light  a  few  miles 


102         fisheemen's  memorial  and  eecoed  book. 

ahead.  They  immediately  pulled  for  it,  when  it  proved  to  be  the 
schooner  Henry  Claj-^,  of  this  port.  During  the  time  they  were  in  the 
boat  they  had  a  steady  storm  of  rain  and  snow,  and  were  frequently 
capsized,  but  with  the  aid  of  a  bucket  they  managed  to  keep  the  boat 
clear  of  water.  Corthell  had  his  feet  badly  frozen.  Mr.  Maynard's 
arm  was  badly  chafed  and  swollen,  and  both  suffered  greatly. 

Lewis  and  Thomas  Suratt,  two  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Joseph 
Chandler,  of  this  port,  left  the  vessel  February  27th,  1870,  to  visit 
their  trawls,  when,  a  heavy  breeze  springing  up,  they  were  unable  to 
return.  The  wind  increased  to  a  gale,  and  for  twenty-four  hours 
they  were  exposed  to  its  full  fury,  narrowly  escaping  a  watery  grave. 
Thomas  was  once  washed  overboard,  but  bis  brother  succeeded  in  get- 
ting him  into  the  dory  again,  and  they  had  about  given  up  all  hopes 
of  being  rescued,  when  they  fortunately  fell  in  with  schooner  M.  L. 
Wetherell,  of  this  port,  Capt.  Norwood,  who  took  them  on  board  and 
kindly  cared  for  them.  They  were  well-nigh  exhausted,  and  could 
have  survived  but  a  short  time  longer. 

Two  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Robert  Bruce,  of  this  port,  E.  S. 
Johnson  and  Thomas  Anderson,  left  the  vessel  on  the  Banks  in  a 
dory,  May  3d,  1872,  to  attend  their  trawls.  A  thick  fog  set  in  shortly 
afterwards,  and,  losing  sight  of  the  vessel,  they  anchored  their  doiy, 
in  hopes  of  regaining  the  schooner  the  following  day.  The  wind 
continued  to  increase,  and  about  midnight  the  anchor  line  parted, 
when  they  determined  to  run  to  Seal  Island,  about  fifty  miles  distant, 
it  being  the  nearest  land.  Fortunately  they  had  a  small  pocket  com- 
pass, by  the  use  of  which  they  were  able  to  keep  the  right  course, 
and  on  Sunday  morning  they  reached  Seal  Island,  after  forty-eight 
hours'  exertion  at  the  oars,  without  any  kind  of  nourishment,  having 
tasted  neither  food  nor  water  since  they  left  the  schooner.  "When 
they  landed  they  were  nearly  exhausted,  but  were  kindly  and  hos- 
pitably treated  by  Mr.  Benjamin  R.  Hitchens,  a  resident  of  the  island, 
of  whom  they  spoke  in  terms  of  warmest  gratitude.  After  resting 
for  twenty-four  hours,  they  started  in  their  dory  for  Yarmouth,  N.  S., 
about  thirty  miles  distant,  where  they  arrived  at  noon.  They  had  a 
very  hard  time  of  it,  and,  had  they  not  been  pretty  plucky  fellows, 
never  would  have  reached  home  again. 

Mr.  James  Dann,  one  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Lottie  F.  Babson, 
had  a  very  nan'ow  escape  from  being  lost  overboard  during  the  gale 
of  March,  1870,  while  returning  from  Georges.  He  was  on  the  boom, 
engaged  in  reefing  the  mainsail,  when  he  lost  his  foothold,  but  fortu- 
nately in  falling  managed  to  grasp  one  of  the  reef-points,  to  which 


fishermen's  memorlal  and  recxdrd  book.  103 

ho  belli  on  until  rcscaecl  from  bis  perilous  position  by  those  on  board. 
Ilacl  bo  fallen  overboard,  no  earthly  power  could  have  saved  hira  from 
drowning,  as  it  was  blowing  a  living  gale  at  the  time. 

Richard  Powers  and  Gcorgo  Welch,  two  of  the  crew  of  schooner 
J.  S.  Sanborn,  of  this  port,  left  the  vessel  in  a  dory,  June  16th,  1865, 
to  visit  their  trawls,  and,  a  thick  fog  coming  on,  they  were  unable  to 
find  tho  vessel.  Every  exertion  was  made  by  those  on  board  to  find 
the  missing  men,  but  all  to  no  purpose,  and  she  returned  to  port  with- 
out them.  They  were  subsequently  picked  up  by  an  English  vessel, 
bound  to  Pictou,  from  which  port  they  arrived  homo  in  due  season. 

Tho  fishing  boat  Garibaldi,  Capt.  George  "W.  Moi^an,  of  Lanes- 
villo,  engaged  in  the  shore  fishcrj*,  was  caught  in  the  gale  of  Tuesday, 
March  11th,  1872,  off  Ipswich,  while  attending  to  the  trawls,  and, 
being  unable  to  carry  sail,  was  soon  driven  ashore  on  Ipswich  Bar, 
and  sunk  within  two  minutes  after  striking.  Capt.  Morgan  had  with 
him  his  partner,  Mr.  Levi  Lane,  and  their  only  hope  of  escape  was 
by  clinging  to  the  mast  until  assistance  came.  Here  they  succeeded, 
after  much  efibrt,  in  lashing  themselves  for  their  long  and  perilous 
watch  through  the  night  that  was  coming  on,  if  indeed  they  should 
live  to  pass  that  watch.  Cold,  benumbed  and  wet,  with  only  a  faint 
hope  of  holding  out,  the  long  hours  of  the  night  passed  wearil}'. 
At  midnight  they  saw  the  keeper  of  the  Ipswich  light  go  and  return 
from  his  duties ;  yet  no  help  came.  It  now  became  a  question  of 
endurance.  Capt.  Morgan,  becoming  so  thoroughly  wet  and  be- 
nnmbed,  began  to  show  signs  of  exhaustion,  and  must  soon  have 
perished.  At  length  morning  dawned,  when  the  daughter  of  the 
lighthouse-keeper,  Miss  Susie  Ellsworth,  having,  as  it  were  provi- 
dentially, risen  earlier  than  usual  that  morning,  saw  the  men  clinging 
to  the  mast  of  their  sunken  boat.  She  immediately  informed  her 
father,  who  mustered  a  crew  and  went  to  their  rescue  in  the  life-boat. 
The  men  were  taken  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Ellsworth,  where  they  were 
very  kindly  cared  for. 

Two  of  the  crew  of  schooner  Lewis,  of  Marblehead,  "William  Ward 
and  Lawrence  Mulcahj',  left  their  vessels  on  the  third  of  July,  1873, 
to  visit  their  trawl,  and,  a  thick  fog  setting  in,  they  were  unable  to 
regain  her.  The  schooner  subsequently  returned  to  port,  and  the 
men  were  given  up  as  lost.  The  men  stated  that  for  five  da3's  the  fog 
was  so  dense  it  was  impossible  to  see  but  a  very  small  distance  around 
them.  They  made  every  effort  to  regain  the  vessel,  but  without  suc- 
cess. They  frequently  heard  the  whistles  of  steamers,  but  never  saw 
one ;  and  their  BufiTerings  for  the  want  of  food  and  drink  were  most 


104         fisheemen's  memorial  and  eecoed  book. 

excruciatiug.  On  the  fifth  day  they  were  about  to  give  up  in  despair, 
when  the  fog  lifted,  and,  to  their  joy,  they  descried  a  vessel  in  the 
distance.  This  gave  them  new  courage,  and,  determining  to  make 
one  more  effort  for  their  life,  they  rowed  for  the  schooner  and  soon 
succeeded  in  making  themselves  seen.  The  schooner  proved  to  be 
the  William  A.  Pew,  of  this  port,  and  a  boat  was  soon  sent  to  their 
assistance.  They  were  taken  on  board  in  a  very  exhausted  condition, 
but,  with  careful  nursing  and  kind  attention  from  the  captain  and 
crew,  they  were  soon  on  the  mending  hand.  "When  they  arrived  at 
Marblehead  they  were  welcomed  by  their  friends  as  those  only  could 
be  who  had  been  given  up  for  dead. 

The  Pinkey  Nautilus,  of  Rockport,  was  about  thirty  miles  above 
East  Point  during  the  afternoon  of  October  3d,  1851,  on  which  the 
terrible  gale  occurred  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence,  and  skipper  Pool, 
not  liking  the  looks  of  the  horizon,  told  his  men  a  tornado  or  hurri- 
cane was  near  at  hand,  and  he  determined  to  get  the  vessel  into  East 
Point,  if  possible.  Shortly  after  starting,  the  blow  came  on,  and  it 
was  indeed  terrible.  The  wind  fairly  howled,  so  that  it  was  almost 
impossible  to  stand  on  deck,  or  to  hear  a  person  next  to  you,  let  him 
scream  at  the  top  of  his  voice.  The  sails  were  close-reefed,  and  on 
the  gallant  little  pinkey  sped,  like  a  racer  over  the  course.  She 
reached  the  bar,  and  it  was  feared  there  was  not  water  enough  for  her 
to  go  over.  To  remain  where  they  were  was  certain  destruction,  and 
the  angry  roar  of  the  breakers,  as  they  broke  mast-high,  was  enough 
to  appall  the  stoutest  heart.  Only  one  thing  was  now  left  for  them, 
and  that  was  to  drive  the  vessel  over  the  bar.  It  was  a  dangerous 
experiment,  and  the  chances  were  as  ten  to  one  of  its  proving  suc- 
cessful. The  old  skipper  gave  the  order  to  let  out  the  reefs,  which 
was  done  ;  then  right  before  it  she  drove,  among  the  swirling,  yeasty 
waters.  Sometimes  the  craft  was  almost  perpendicular,  then  she 
would  thump,  and  touch ;  but  still  she  kept  moving,  and  those  on 
board  watched  with  bated  breath,  expecting  every  moment  would 
witness  the  destruction  of  their  vessel.  It  was  a  trying  time ;  indeed, 
but  imagine  their  delight,  when  the  bar  was  passed,  and  the  Nautilus 
was  brought  safely  to  anchor,  her  danger  over,  and  her  crew  saved  I 
Mr.  James  G.  Tarr  was  one  of  her  crew,  and  to  him  are  we  indebted 
for  the  incident. 


FTRnr.RMF.N'8  MEMOmAL  AMD  BECOIU)  BOOK.  105 


The  Pirate  Tacony's  Raid  upon  the  Fishermen. 

The  town  was  thrown  into  a  most  intense  excitement  on  the  morn> 
ing  of  Wednesday,  June  24th,  1863,  by  the  announcement  that  sev- 
eral of  the  fishing  fleet  had  been  burned  by  a  rebel  pirate.  The  news 
was  brought  by  the  schooner  Cadet,  Capt.  Williams,  who  arrived 
Tuesday  night,  having  narrowly  escaped  being  captured.  He  reported 
that  on  Monday,  while  at  anchor  in  the  South  Channel,  he  saw  a 
barque  bearing  down  toward  them.  Having  suspicions  that  she  was 
one  of  the  rebel  piratical  crafts  which  had  been  reported  as  cruising 
along  the  coast,  he  immediately  hove  up  anchor,  and  there  being  a 
light  wind,  got  his  boats  out  and  commenced  towing  her.  While 
engaged  in  this,  they  saw  several  boats  put  off  from  the  barque  and 
board  four  other  fishing  vessels  which  were  at  anchor.  A  thick  fog 
then  shut  them  from  sight,  which  gave  Capt.  Williams  an  opportunity 
to  escape ;  a  good  breeze  also  sprang  up,  which  greatly  favored  him, 
and  he  made  the  best  use  of  these  favorable  auspices.  That  night  he 
saw  the  light  of  four  burning  vessels,  and  while  rejoicing  at  his  own 
escape,  his  heart  was  full  of  sympathy  for  those  of  his  comrades  who 
bad  thus  Lost  their  vessels. 

A  director's  meeting  of  the  Cape  Ann  Mutual  Fishing  Insurance 
Company  was  called  Wednesday  morning,  for  the  purpose  of  devising 
some  means  for  the  protection  of  the  fishing  fleet.  A  committee  of 
three,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Joseph  O.  Procter,  Capt.  Sjivester  Cun- 
ningham and  Epes  W.  Merchant,  were  chosen  to  visit  Boston  and 
have  an  interview  with  Governor  Andrew,  who  advised  them  to  tele- 
graph to  Washington,  which  they  did.  Subsequently  they  visited  the 
Navy  Yard  at  Charlestown,  and  were  informed  by  the  Commodore 
that  all  the  available  vessels  were  on  duty ;  but  he  would  do  all  in 
his  power  to  secure  suitable  vessels  to  be  sent  in  search  of  the  Tacony, 
and  for  the  protection  of  the  fishing  fieet.  Another  spirited  meeting 
was  held  in  the  evening,  and  a  committee  comprising  Capt.  Gorham 
P.  Low,  Joseph  O.  Procter  and  Benjamin  H.  Corliss,  were  appointed 
to  serve  as  a  committee  to  visit  Washington  and  present  a  memorial 
asking  for  two  small  steamers  to  be  commissioned  for  special  service ; 
one  to  cruise  from  Cape  Sable  to  Cape  Canso,  and  the  other  in  the 
Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  for  the  protection  of  the  fishing  fleet  during 
the  season. 


106  nSHEEMEN'S  JVIEMOIilAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK. 

The  statement  of  Capt.  Henderson,  of  schooner  Marengo,  is  a  fair 
example  of  how  the  fishermen  were  treated,  which  is,  in  substance,  as 
follows : 

On  Monday  morning  at  7  o'clock,  while  all  hands  were  engaged  in 
fishing,  saw  a  barque  standing  to  the  northwest ;  when  she  bore  south- 
west from  us  she  wore  ship.  A  thick  fog  setting  in  caused  us  to  lose 
sight  of  her,  and  we  thought  she  was  a  merchantman  bound  in. 
Soon  after,  we  were  boarded  by  a  boat's  crew  consisting  of  a  lieu- 
tenant and  nine  men.  Capt.  H.  went  to  the  leeward  to  take  the 
painter,  and  while  making  the  boat  fast  the  lieutenant  jumped  on 
board  and  grasping  him  by  the  back,  exclaimed,  "  You  are  all  prison- 
ers to  the  Southern  Confederacy  I "  and,  drawing  his  revolver,  shouted 
loudly,  "  that  if  any  resistance  was  made,  he  would  shoot  them  on 
the  spot."  Ten  minutes  was  allowed  the  crew  to  pick  up  their 
clothing,  then  they  were  conveyed  on  board  the  barque,  when  the 
Marengo  was  set  on  fire,  and  the  fishermen  gave  a  last  look  at  the 
craft  which  had  carried  them  safely  through  the  summer's  breezes  in 
the  mackerel  fishery,  and  winter's  gales  on  Georges.  But  there 
was  no  remed}',  they  were  at  the  mercy  of  their  captors,  and  any  show 
of  feeling  on  their  part  would  have  only  resulted  in  making  their  sit- 
uation the  more  unpleasant. 

While  on  board  the  Tacony  three  others  of  the  fishermen  were 
burnt  and  their  crews  brought  on  board  the  barque,  where  they  were 
all  uniformly  well  treated.  Capt.  Henderson  was  invited  into  the 
cabin  to  supper,  and  the  captain  of  the  barque  used  him  very  kindly, 
offering  him  a  lieutenant's  commission  if  he  would  join  the  Con- 
federate service.  This  of  course  was  refused,  as  the  patriotism  of 
the  New  England  fishermen  during  all  the  trying  days  of  the  rebel- 
lion was  as  firm  as  the  rocks  which  form  their  rugged  coast,  and  true 
to  country  were  the  hearts  which  beat  in  their  manly  bosoms. 

On  board  the  barque  there  were  in  addition  to  the  crews  of  the  fish- 
ermen, those  of  four  ships  which  the  Tacony  had  burned  during  the 
preceding  fortnight,  and  as  they  were  cramped  for  accommodations, 
the  captain  concluded  to  liberate  the  schooner  Florence  under  bond, 
and  send  her  to  New  York  with  the  captured  men.  They  were  all 
put  under  oath  not  to  fight  against  the  Southern  Confederacy,  and 
with  this  parol  were  allowed  to  embark.  Th6  Florence  spoke  with 
the  schooner  Western  Light,  of  Wellfleet,  off  Gayhead,  and  she  took 
all  the  Gloucester  men,  landing  them  at  Hyannis,  where  they  were 
kindly  received  and  forwarded  home. 

Schooners  Thos.  Woodward,  commanded  by  Capt.  JohnH.  Welch; 


fishermen's  memorial  and  recx)rd  book.  107 

J.  G.  Curtis,  by  Capt.  Thomas  E.  Newcombe,  and  "Williara  S.  Balcer, 
by  Capt.  Albion  K.  Pearce,  manned  by  our  hardy  fishermen,  Tvcro  at 
once  fitted  out  and  put  into  commission,  to  cruise  in  search  of  rel}el 
pirates  on  our  coast ;  but  they  had  taken  the  alarm,  and  six  vessels, 
OS  recorded  in  the  year's  losses,  was  the  extent  of  the  depredations 
upon  the  fishing  fleet. 


A  Valuable  Branch  of  Industry. 

The  fisheries  have  always  been  regarded  as  a  valuable  branch  of 
the  industry  of  New  England.  From  the  early  records  of  the  Com- 
pany of  Massachusetts  Bay,  we  learn  that  our  fishermen  were  among 
the  few  classes  of  persons  who  were  exempted  from  the  performance  of 
military  duty.  So  important  were  the  fisheries  considered  in  old 
colonial  times,  that,  in  negotiating  for  peace  with  the  mother  country, 
Massachusetts  desired  no  peace  unless  it  secured  to  the  United  States 
the  freedom  of  the  fishing  grounds. 

As  an  evidence  of  this  sentiment,  the  carved  codfish  was  conspicu- 
ously placed  on  the  walls  of  the  State  House ;  which  remained  there 
until  a  >'ery  recent  period,  and  may  still,  for  aught  we  know,  adorn 
the  Capitol  at  Boston ;  not,  perhaps,  so  much  as  a  work  of  art,  sim- 
ply, but  as  a  revolutionary  memento,  serving  to  remind  the  assembled 
wisdom  of  the  Commonwealth,  annually,  of  the  self-sacrificing  and 
determined  spirit  of  their  predecessors. 


108  fishermen's  memoeial  and  eecord  book. 


Recapture  of  Schooner  E.  A.  Horton  from  the  Cus- 
tody of  the  Dominion  Government  —  A  Daring 
Act  by  a  Yankee  Skipper  and  his  Crew. 

The  seizure  of  American  fishing  vessels  by  the  officers  of  the  Do- 
minion Government,  for  alleged  violation  of  the  old  treaty  which 
restricted  our  fishermen  from  pursuing  their  calling  within  an  imagi- 
nary three-mile  line  from  the  Canadian  shores,  caused  a  vast  amount 
of  ill-feeling  during  the  seasons  of  1870-'71,  and  *72,  as  well  as  in 
previous  years,  when  attempts  were  made  to  enforce  it.  The  annoy- 
ances which  the  officers  of  the  Dominion  cutters  heaped  upon  unarmed 
fishermen,  and  the  flimsy  pretexts  under  cloak  of  which  they  would 
seize  the  vessels,  was  a  disgrace  to  any  nation  making  any  pretensions 
to  civilization,  and  the  apathy  with  which  our  government  witnessed 
these  dastardly  insults  to  loyal  subjects,  was  equally  disgraceful  on 
the  part  of  those  in  authority. 

Schooner  E.  A.  Horton  was  seized  about  the  first  of  September, 
1871,  and  taken  into  Guysboro',  there  to  await  the  decision  of  the 
Court.  Her  owners,  Messrs.  McKenzie,  Knowlton  &  Co.,  had  been 
subjected  to  great  inconvenience  and  expense  by  the  unfriendly  Cana- 
dians, who  captured  one  of  their  vessels  the  year  previous,  and  find- 
ing that  there  was  no  chance  for  redress  before  the  Dominion  courts, 
they  determined  to  depend  upon  themselves  and  take  possession  of 
their  property  wherever  found.  To  this  end  Capt.  Harvey  Knowlton, 
Jr.,  one  of  her  owners,  left  town  Sept.  20th,  and  arrived  at  Man- 
chester, four  miles  below  Guysboro',  Sept.  27th,  and  in  order  to  get  an 
opportunity  to  fully  develop  his  plans,  and  to  disarm  suspicion,  went 
to  mining,  and  obtained  several  specimens  of  gold  quartz.  After  four 
days  at  this  occupation,  he  took  his  specimens  and  went  to  Canso. 
Here  he  worked  very  quietly  and  secured  the  services  of  six  American 
fishermen,  viz. :  Daniel  Richards,  John  Penney,  Charles  "Webber,  D. 
Isaac,  Malcom  McCloud,  and  Peter  Gillis,  who  cheerfully  volunteered 
in  the  enterprise.  October  3d,  Capt.  Knowlton  and  his  men  left 
Canso  and  travelled  through  the  woods,  a  distance  of  eighteen  miles, 
to  Guysboro'.  This  occupied  the  entire  day,  as  they  were  often 
obliged  to  hide  themselves  in  order  to  escape  observation.    Arriving 


FISHEnMEN'S  MEMORIAL  A^'D  RECORD  BOOK.  109 

in  Guysboro'  after  dark,  they  concealed  themselves  in  a  barn,  ha\ing 
taken  the  precaution  to  procure  a  good  stock  of  provisions.  Capt. 
Knowlton  kept  himself  constantly  disguised,  and  employed  his  time 
in  reconnoitering  around  the  town,  visiting  the  wharf  where  the  vessel 
was  moored,  sounding  the  channel,  and  in  obtaining  such  other  infor- 
mation as  he  would  require  when  the  moment  for  action  arrived.  He 
found  that  the  officials  were  so  sure  of  their  prey  that  they  had  no 
keepers  on  board  of  the  vessel ;  but  she  was  stripped  of  sails,  rigging, 
etc.  The  captain  made  good  use  of  his  eyes  and  ears  during 
his  stay  in  town,  and  found  where  these  appurtenances  were  stored. 
His  men  kept  very  quiet  in  the  barn  and  were  not  observed  by  any 
one.  They  were,  however,  as  might  bo  expected,  impatient  for  action. 
Sunday,  October  8th,  was  the  time  set  for  the  recapture  of  the 
vessel.  At  half-past  nine  o'clock  it  was  bright  starlight,  with  a  fa- 
vorable northwest  breeze  blowing.  The  captain  and  his  men  left  their 
hiding  place  and  boldly  walked  into  Guysboro',  a  distance  of  six 
miles,  and  were  fortunate  enough  not  to  meet  any  person  on  their  way. 
They  arrived  at  the  centre  of  the  town  just  as  the  clock  on  the  church 
steeple  pealed  forth  the  hour  of  eleven.  Observing  some  lights  yet 
burning  in  the  houses,  they  waited  patiently  until  these  were  extm- 
guished,  and  then  proceeded  to  the  wharf.  They  were  not  long  in 
putting  themselves  inside  of  the  building  which  contained  the  Hor- 
ton's  sails,  rigging,  etc.  These  they  took  charge  of  and  soon  had 
them  on  board  the  vessel.  Finding  they  had  made  some  mistake  in 
the  sails,  having  got  some  belonging  to  another  vessel,  they  were 
obliged  to  return  them,  which  caused  a  vexatious  delay.  It  could 
not  be  helped,  however.  The  vessel  was  aground,  but  the  tide  was 
coming  in  ;  her  sails  and  rigging  were  quickly  bent,  and  all  was  ready 
for  starting  at  one  o'clock.  The  suspense  was  terrible,  as  the  appear- 
ance of  any  person  on  the  wharf,  to  raise  an  alarm,  would  defeat  the 
entire  plan.  Fortune  favors  the  brave,  however,  and  it  would  have 
been  a  big  fight  if  the  captain  and  his  men  had  been  opposed  at  this 
point  of  their  proceedings.  All  was  ready,  but  it  was  found  that  the 
craft  was  yet  agi'ound.  Time  was  precious  now !  A  warp  was  got 
out  and  the  vessel  was  hove  astern.  At  half-past  two  the  joyful 
fact  that  she  floated,  became  apparent.  All  was  still.  Not  a  word 
had  been  uttered,  nor  an  unnecessary  sound  made  during  all  these 
preparations.  Sail  was  put  on  her,  and  with  Capt.  Knowlton  at  the 
helm,  the  saucy  little  craft  filled  away,  and  showed  a  "  clean  pair  of 
heels  "  as  she  passed  out  of  the  harbor,  at  liberty,  and  released  from 
the  hands  of  a  government  which  has  made  itself  particularly  obnox- 


110  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

ious  to  all  civilized  communities.  The  surprise  of  those  having  the 
Horton  in  charge,  as  well  as  the  good  citizens  of  Guysboro*,  when  they 
awoke  on  that  eventful  Monday  morning  and  found  that  Yankee  fish- 
ermen had  been  at  work  while  they  slept,  and  had  taken  possession 
of  this  captured  fishing  vessel,  can  be  imagined  better  than  described. 

It  was  apprehended  that  pursuit  would  at  once  be  made,  but  the 
captain  had  made  his  calculations  to  elude  it.  At  daylight  the  ves- 
sel was  outside  of  Little  Canso,  and  her  course  was  shaped  S.  S.  W. 
in  order  to  obtain  a  good  ofl3ng.  There  was  a  fresh  breeze  from  the 
N.  N.  "W.,  and  by  sundown  she  was  many  miles  outside  of  land,  with 
her  course  shaped  for  the  northern  edge  of  the  Gulf  Stream.  There 
was  plenty  of  water  and  provisions  on  board,  as  the  vessel  had  been 
refitted  only  two  days  before  being  taken  by  the  cutter.  This  was 
not  known  for  a  certainty,  but  had  to  be  risked,  and  fortunate  indeed 
was  it  that  the  officials  had  not  removed  these  important  sinews  of 
war.  The  southwesterly  course  was*  pursued  until  the  11th,  when  a 
severe  easterly  gale  was  encountered,  in  which  the  vessel's  foresail 
was  badly  damaged.  Saw  one  steamer  on  the  third  day  out,  did  not 
speak  any  vessels,  but  was  continually  anxious  for  fear  of  being  re- 
captured. The  captain  had  made  up  his  mind  that  the  vessel  should 
not  be  retaken,  and  in  case  an  English  cruiser  molested  them,  prep- 
arations were  all  ready  to  burn  the  Horton.  The  course  was  contin- 
ued across  the  southeast  part  of  Georges  Banks,  and  then  direct  for 
Cape  Ann,  the  vessel  arriving  Wednesdaj'^  evening,  October  18th. 

The  passage  was  made  without  any  charts  or  nautical  instruments, 
with  the  exception  of  the  compass,  the  captain  relying  entirely  on  his 
own  judgment  in  shaping  his  course. 

EXCITEMENT   PREVIOUS   TO   HEK  ARRIVAL. 

The  Monday  previous  to  the  Horton's  arrival,  a  rumor  prevailed 
here  in  town  that  an  English  'war  steamer  was  cruising  in  the  bay, 
for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  and  capturing  the  fugitive  schooner. 
But  very  few  credited  such  a  sensational  rumor,  but  as  there  was  a 
probability  that  such  might  be  the  case,  Coljector  Fitz  J.  Babson  took 
immediate  measures  to  insure  protection  to  the  Horton  in  case  she 
should  be  waylaid.  He  at  once  corresponded  with  Collector  Russell, 
of  the  Boston  Custom  House,  and  suggested  that  an  American  gov- 
ernment vessel  be  sent  to  watch  the  movements  of  the  Englishman, 
and  prevent  any  outrage  in  our  waters.  He  also  telegraphed  to  Port- 
land to  secure  the  services  of  the  cutter  McCulloch.  In  the  after- 
noon, during  the  absence  of  Collector  Babson  in  Boston,  on  business 


FISIIERMEN'S  MEMOniAL  AND  RECORD  DOOE.  Ill 

connected  wHh  tho  department,  B.  II.  Smith,  Esq.,  Sun'cyor  of  tho 
District,  telegraphed  to  the  commandant  of  tho  Charlcstown  Navy 
Yard,  for  a  gunboat,  and  received  reply  that  a  vessel  would  at  once 
be  sent  to  tho  assistance  of  the  Ilorton.  During  tho  evening  tho 
supply  steamer  Fortune,  armed  with  two  howitzers,  arrived  hero  fh>in 
the  Navy  Yard,  and  started  in  search  of  tho  supposed  cruiser,  taking 
Mr.  Robert  McKcuzic,  one  of  tho  owners  of  tho  schooner,  and  Capt. 
Robert  Tarr,  who  was  specially  authorized  by  Collector  Babson  to 
take  charge  of  tho  Ilorton  if  they  fell  in  with  her,  in  the  name  of  tho 
United  States,  and  hold  her  as  a  derelict  vessel,  being  found  without 
papers,  and  bring  her  into  port.  The  Fortune,  after  cruising  all  night 
and  Tuesday  forenoon,  returned,  having  failed  to  obtain  any  infor- 
mation in  regard  to  the  cruiser.  Her  place  was  supplied  by  the  steamer 
Leyden,  which  cruised  in  the  bay  on  Wednesday,  in  search  of  tho 
Ilorton. 

Early  on  Tuesday  morning,  the  cutter  Mahoning  arrived  here  from 
Boston,  accompanied  by  the  revenue  tug  Ilamlin,  and  both  vessels 
proceeded  in  search  of  the  Ilorton,  with  instructions  to  allow  no  ves- 
sel to  interfere  with  her,  but  to  bring  her  into  port  tit  any  hazard. 
Collector  Babson  also  received  a  dispatch  from  the  Collector  at  Port- 
land, stating  that  the  cutter  McCuUoch  had  sailed  in  search  of  the 
vessel.  But  nothing  was  seen  of  either  English  steamer  or  the  Yan- 
kee fishing  schooner,  whose  arrival  was  looked  forward  to  with  tho 
most  intense  anxiety,  not  only  by  our  people,  but  all  along  the  New 
England  coast. 

ARRIVAL  OF  THE  HORTON  —  HER  RECEPTION  —  DEMONSTRATIONS  OF  JOT. 

On  "Wednesday  evening  about  half-past  seven  o'clock,  the  booming 
of  cannon  at  Rocky  Neck  announced  that  the  Horton  had  arrived. 
The  news  quickly  spread  through  the  town,  and  there  was  general  re- 
joicing. Guns  were  fired,  the  bells  were  rung,  and  Young  America 
paraded  the  streets  with  drums,  horns  and  torch-lights,  firing  pistols, 
and  having  a  general  jollification,  which  was  kept  up  till  midnight. 
Large  crowds  of  people  wended  their  way  to  Rocky  Neck  during  the 
evening,  and  Capt.  Kuowlton  and  his  brave  crew  were  heartily  con- 
gratulated upon  the  success  of  their  bold  undertaking.  The  fishing 
OAvners  were  joyful  over  the  event,  while  the  fishermen  gave  vent  to 
their  delight  in  the  most  enthusiastic  manner.  lutervhewers  for  the 
press  were  numerous,  and  dispatches,  as  per  agreement,  were  imme- 
diately sent  from  the  Advertiser  ofllce  to  the  New  York  Herald  and 
Boston  Post,  giving  the  glad  tidings  of  the  safe  arrival  of  the  vessel. 


112       .  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

All  over  town  the  cry  was  heard  that  the  Horton  had  arrived,  and 
the  event  was  made  the  occasion  of  a  general  jubilee.  The  Glouces- 
ter Cornet  Band  was  promptly  on  hand,  and  after  performing  several 
stirring  national  airs  on  Front  street,  proceeded  to  Rocky  Neck,  es- 
corted by  the  torch-light  procession  and  a  drum  corps,  and  serenaded 
the  gallant  Capt.  Knowlton  at  his  residence,  who  duly  acknowledged 
the  compliment.  Notwithstanding  the  blustering,  disagreeable  weather, 
crowds  of  people  joined  the  procession,  giving  vent  to  their  enthu- 
siasm by  hurrahing,  firing  guns  and  sending  up  rockets.  It  was  an 
evening  long  to  be  remembered.  Salutes  were  also  fired  Thursday 
morning  and  evening.  There  was  also  a  display  of  fireworks,  and 
the  band,  accompanied  by  a  large  procession,  paraded  the  streets, 
playing  patriotic  airs.  At  eight  o'clock  a  congratulatory  meeting 
was  held  at  the  Town  Hall,  which  was  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity. 

Benj.  H.  Corliss,  Esq.,  was  chosen  chairman,  and  made  a  speech, 
reviewing  the  many  grievances  of  our  fishermen,  and  the  persistent 
course  of  aggravation  and  aggression  maintained  .by  the  Dominion 
Government.     He  was  followed  by  B.  H.  Smith,  Esq.,  and  others. 

Mr.  Corliss  presented  Capt.  Knowlton  and  his  crew  the  sum  of 
$1,000,  which  had  been  subscribed  by  the  citizens  of  the  town  as  a 
mark  of  esteem,  and  a  slight  testimonial  of  the  great  service  the}'^  had 
rendered  the  fishing  interests  in  thus  daring  to  take  possession  of  the 
Horton. 

The  speaking  was  interspersed  with  music,  and  the  meeting  was  a 
lively  one  in  every  particular,  and  fully  demonstrated  the  sentiment 
of  this  community  on  the  fishing  question. 

THE   HOETON  WAS   NEVER   GIVEN   UP. 

It  was  supposed  that  the  British  government  would  make  active 
eflbrts  for  the  return  of  the  Horton,  and  would  petition  our  govern- 
ment to  that  eflfect ;  but  nothing  of  the  kind  was  done.  Collector 
Babson  at  once  applied  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  for  another 
set  of  papers,  on  the  grounds  that  the  United  States  government  had 
no  claim  upon  any  vessel  coming  into  port  having  lost  her  papers. 
The  vessel  he  considered  in  the  condition  of  one  served  by  due  proc- 
ess of  law,  and  a  keeper  placed  on  board.  On  the  departure  of  the 
keeper  or  guard  in  the  fancied  security  of  insuflScient  water  to  float 
the  craft,  her  owners  were  at  liberty  to  go  on  board  and  assume  pos- 
session. No  violation  of  law  had  been  committed,  as  the  vessel  was 
virtually  abandoned  by  the  oflicers  who  had  her  in  charge,  and  no 
violence  was  used  in  her  recapture. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


113 


There  was  some  correspondence  between  the  Canadian  and  British 
Governments  relative  to  the  seizure  of  the  Horton.  This  was  in  doe 
season  laid  before  the  House  at  Ottawa.  The  first  paper  was  a  mem- 
orandum from  the  Dominion  Council  to  Earl  Kimbcrly,  stating  that  the 
prize  money  should  be  forfeited  on  account  of  the  gross  carelessness 
in  guarding  the  vessel.  The  question  of  indignity  to  the  flag,  it  was 
recommended,  should  be  left  to  the  Home  Government,  as  it  more 
properly  came  under  their  jurisdiction.  The  Committee  of  Council 
also  reported,  that  under  the  circumstances,  they  did  not  feel  called 
upon  to  recommend  the  reclamation  of  the  vessel  by  the  Dominion 
Government.  Earl  Kimberly  expressed  himself  satisfied  that  such 
dignified  conduct  would  serve  to  promote  friendliness  with  the  United 
States,  which  was  the  earnest  desire  of  England. 

The  excitement  of  the  Ilorton's  recapture  continued  several  weeks, 
as  it  was  rumored  that  efforts  would  be  made  to  run  her  out  some 
night.  Every  precaution  was  taken  to  guard  against  this,  and  the 
plans  were  so  well  laid  that  it  was  absolutely  certain  that  the  vessel 
could  not  have  been  taken  out  of  this  harbor.  Two  of  the  local 
poets  gave  very  vivid  and  interesting  descriptions  of  the  Horton 
affair,  and  the  effect  produced  upon  our  people,  which  are  well  entitled 
to  a  position  in  this  narrative. 


"THE  HORTON'S  IN." 

BT   "OLD   LOCALITT." 

The  day  rcUrcd  serene  and  fair, 
And  lights  came  glancing  hero  and  there, 
Wliile  gently  swung  the  twilight  down 
On  Roclcy  Neck  and  tJloucester  Town. 

The  pnlse  of  hnsincss  life  was  still, 
From  Gardner's  Brook  to  Beacon  Hill, 
On  wharf  and  fish-yard,  beach  and  hay, 
The  calmness  of  the  evening  lay. 

Boom  I  and  a  cannon's  voice  rang  ont; 
Boom  1  and  a  mingled  cheer  and  shout, 
With  drum  and  trumpet,  swelled  the  din  — 
•  The  Hortou's  in  1  the  Horton's  in  I " 

Safe  fh>m  the  lion's  angry  paw, 
Bafo  from  the  lapdog's  snapping  Jaw, 
Hurrah  I  Cape  Ann  Is  bound  to  win  — 
*'  The  Horton's  in !  the  Horton's  in  1 " 

Hurrah  I  hurrah  I  rose  loud  and  shrill, 
From  Duncan's  Tolnt  to  Banner  Hill; 
And  Front  and  Park  and  Middle  streets 
Passed  on  the  tidings  wild  and  fleet. 


Hurrah !  hurrah !  for  Yankee  wit, 
Hurrah  I  hurrah!  for  Cape  Ann  grit, 
It's  pluck  and  dash  that's  sure  to  win  — 
"  The  Horton's  in !  the  Horton's  in  1 " 

Here's  three  times  three  for  the  Captain,  then, 
And  three  times  three  for  his  gallant  men ; 
For  the  strong  and  daring,  free  and  brave, 
The  olive-branch  and  the  laurel  wave. 


ESCAPE  OF  THE  HORTON. 

BY   "YANKEE  NED." 

Under  the  canopy  of  blue, 

Under  the  starlit  sky. 
They  crept —  the  daring,  manly  crew  — 

To  cut  her  out,  or  die  I 

Into  the  store  they  climb, 

With  darkness  all  around; 
Their  nimble  fingers  quickly  find 

That  every  sail  is  sound. 

'With  hank  and  halyard  stout. 
Her  wings  were  bent  anew — 

Those  gallant  lads  they  ran  her  oal 
Across  the  waters  blue. 


114 


fisheemen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


Away  from  Scotia's  shado^iry  shore, 

With  cruisers  on  her  lee, 
She  travels  o'er  the  deep  once  more, 

To  Cape  Ann's  port  —  she's  free  I 

Old  Eastern  Point  is  dead  ahead, 
And  the  skipper's  home  in  sight, 


"With  flying  colors  she  is  sped 
Safe  into  port  at  night. 

The  spirit  true  of  seventy-six 

Lives  in  the  land  to-day ; 
Thank  God !  —  and  no  Dominion  cliques 

Shall  bar  the  Yankee's  way. 


nSIlEKMEA'S  MEMORIAL  AND   UECOKD   BOOK. 


115 


The  Severe  Storm  of  1839. 


The  most  distressing  event  which  ever  occnrrcd  in  our  harbor  was 
occasioned  by  the  storm  of  Sunda}-,  December  15th,  1839.  From 
one  of  our  citizens,  who  witnessed  the  fury  of  the  storm  and  watched 
the  doomed  vessels  as  they  dashed  on  the  rocks,  we  glean  the  follow- 
ing particulars :  — 

Saturday,  the  da}'  previous,  was  remarkably  mild  and  clear  for  the 
season.  This  induced  the  masters  of  many  of  the  Eastern  vessels  to 
leave  port  on  their  trip  to  New  York,  Boston,  and  further  southward. 
Arriving  off  Cape  Ann,  the  wind  suddenly  veered  into  the  south-east, 
with  every  indication  of  a  violent  storm.  Sixt3'-five  of  the  vessels 
sought  refuge  in  the  harbor,  where,  in  the  course  of  the  night  and 
Sunday  forenoon,  they  came  to  anchor.  At  noon,  the  wind  blew 
fearfully,  and  in  the  afternoon  increased  to  a  terrific  gale,  with  snow 
and  rain,  and  one  of  the  roughest  seas  running  which  had  ever  been 
seen  on  this  coast.  Its  power  was  indeed  terrible  ;  and  the  fleet  of 
coasters  were  watched  from  the  shore  by  our  people  with  the  most 
intense  anxiety,  as  they  knew,  if  any  of  the  vessels  got  adrift,  there 
would  be  need  of  help  to  save  lives. 


116  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

The  prospect,  however,  was  a  cheerless  one,  as  there  was  but  little 
hope  of  the  lives  on  board  the  vessels,  if  they  once  got  into  the  terri- 
ble breakers  of  the  lee  shore.  Along  about  three  or  four  o'clock  the 
vessels  began  to  go  adrift,  and  the  scene  was  one  never  to  be  forgot- 
ten by  the  large  crowd  who  had  gathered  on  the  beach.  Many  a 
silent,  heartfelt  prayer  went  up  from  that  throng,  in  behalf  of  those 
whose  lives  were  in  such  imminent  danger,  to  aid  which,  human  arms 
were  almost  powerless.  Some  of  the  vessels  sunk  at  their  anchors, 
aftd  all  hands  perished.  Others  came  upon  the  rocks,  where,  with 
the  assistance  of  the  strong  arms  of  men  who  had  baffled  with  the 
storms  for  years — the  hardy  fishermen  and  seamen  of  our  town  — 
most  of  the  crews  were  rescued.  All  that  afternoon  the  vessels  con- 
tinued to  drift  ashore.  Many  were  saved  from  this  calamity  by  cut- 
ting away  their  masts.  Darkness  came  down  over  the  scene,  render- 
ing it  all  the  more  dismal,  the  wind  howling  and  the  sea  raging 
piteously  all  through  the  hours  of  the  night.  Twenty  wrecks  were 
strewn  along  the  shore,  ere  the  night  had  come  on,  and  the  morning's 
dawn  was  watched  for  by  men  who  were  determined  to  do  all  within 
their  power  toward  saving  the  lives  of  those  so  terribly  exposed. 
The  gale  abated  somewhat  during  the  night,  and  the  faint  streaks  of 
light  which  glimmered  on  the  eastern  horizon  that  Monday  morning 
revealed  to  sight  thirty  dismasted  vessels  riding  at  anchor  in  the 
harbor.  The  wind  veered  round  to  the  north-east  the  next  day,  and 
as  it  moderated,  Capt.  "William  Carter,  with  a  volunteer  crew  of  noble- 
hearted  men,  put  off  in  the  Custom  House  boat,  and  brought  the 
men  ashore.  They  were  obliged  to  jump  on  board,  as  it  was  too 
rough  for  the  gallant  little  craft  to  board  the  vessels.  One  of  the 
vessels,  just  as  her  crew  was  taken  off,  drifted  out  of  the  harbor,  and 
was  never  heard  of  afterwards.     A  most  miraculous  escape,  indeed. 

Everything  that  sympathetic  men  and  women  could  do  was  done 
for  the  comfort  of  the  living  and  for  the  recovery  of  the -bodies  of  the 
dead.  The  exact  loss  of  life  was  never  fully  ascertained,  but  includ- 
ing those  who  perished  on  the  wreck  near  Pigeon  Cove,  twenty  lives 
were  known  to  have  been  lost  in  this  vicinity.  Some  of  the  bodies 
were  taken  away  by  friends,  and  the  remainder  were  buried  from  the 
Unitarian  Church  on  the  following  Sunday  afternoon.  All  the  other 
churches  were  closed,  their  pastors  taking  part  in  the  funeral  services. 
An  appropriate  sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev.  Josiah  K.  Waite. 

The  storm  occurring  at  a  season  when  the  fishing  fleet  were  hauled 
up,  did  not  cause  any  loss  of  lives  or  property  of  our  people,  which 
was  indeed  a  most  fortunate  circumstance. 


FISHEEMEM'S  MEMOBIAL  AMD  RECORD  BOOK.  117 


Fishermen's  Children  Playing  on  the  Beach. 

We  remember  reading  somewhere  in  a  book  of  dreamy  fancies  that 
the  thoughts  of  children  are  long,  long  thoughts.  They  reach  out  a 
great  ways,  and  full  of  daring,  venture  into  paths  that  we  older 
people,  made  practical  by  the  world,  are  afraid  to  tread.  A  child's 
thoughts,  if  we  could  but  know  them,  would  make  the  prettiest  fairy 
story  over  told. 

These  two  fishermen's  children  playing  on  the  beach  of  a  sunny 
afternoon  have  turned  their  backs  to  the  sea.  It  looks,  one  might 
fancy,  as  if  they  had  turned  their  backs  to  the  sunshine  of  life,  and 
were  looking  boldly  out  into  the  darkness.  But  their  eyes  are  so 
bright,  being  yet  unclouded  with  sorrow,  they  can  w^cll  afford  to  face 
the  shadows  for  a  time  ;  their  eight  is  strong.  The  boy's  face  is  lUll 
of  daring ;  we  can  see  that,  with  his  brown,  bare  arms  crossed,  and 
his  hat  well  pushed  back  from  his  forehead,  he  is  telling  his  playmate 
a  marvellous  story.  Perhaps  he  imagines  that  he  is  a  bold  skipper 
and  has  gone  in  his  vessel  on  a  perilous  voyage. 

"  The  fleet  dropped  anchor  at  the  Banks,"  he  says,  "  and  the  wind 
blew  great  guns.  You'd  ought  to  seen  the  snow  drift,  Matty.  But 
I  stood  at  the  rail  and  hauled  in  hand  over  hand.  My  I  didn't  we 
have  a  splendid  catch?  An'  then  we  up  anchor 'an'  drifted  —  an* 
drifted  out  of  sight  of  all  the  others.  Two  of  the  vessels  went 
down,  but  we  got  safe  into  port  after  a  while ;  and  then,  wasn't  there 
a  shouting !  You'll  never  go  on  such  a  trip,  Matty,  for  you're  only  a 
girl!" 

"We  can  imagine  how  the  girl's  brown  cheek  flushes  and  her  bright 
eye  kindles  as  she  answers,  after  a  moment's  hesitating  thought :  — 

"  Well,  if  I'm  only  a  girl  and  can't  go  to  the  Banks,  I  can  stay  at 
home  and  wait  and  pray  for  you  to  come  safely  back  again." 

She  seems  very  young  to  have  found  out  that  a  woman's  destiny  is 
to  watch  and  wait  for  a  loved  one's  coming. 

The  scent  of  a  seaport  town  is  in  this  little  picture.  The  vessels 
glide  away  in  the  distance  ;  the  sea  and  sky  are  all  one,  the}'  are  so 
smooth  and  blue.  We  get  the  scent  of  tar  and  fish  as  the  wind 
blows  in  over  the  stones  and  twisted  ropes,  seaweed  and  oars.  But 
^  the  children  have  turned  their  backs  to  all  this,  and  are  living  in  a 
world  of  their  own.  The  girl's  face  laughs  through  its  sweet  dream- 
iness. She  looks  as  if  she  were  turning  over  in  her  mind  something 
the  boy  has  said.    Perhaps,  she  don't  quite  believe  his  story,  although 


118  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

a  lassie  is  mostly  quick  enough  to  credit  the  wonderful  things  a  lad 
tells  her.  He  is  telling  her,  now,  what  he  shall  do  when  he  grows 
up. 

"Most  likely  I  shall  go  to  Greenland,  and  then  to  Iceland,  and 
shall  own  ever  so  many  vessels.  Will  3-0U  stay  here  an'  watch  for 
me  when  I'm  out,  just  as  we  watch  for  our  papas,  Matty  ?  " 


How  her  dark  eyes  glow  !  How  she  believes  every  word  that  this 
little  adventurous  fishei--boy  tells  her,  and  how  meekly,  yet  bravely, 
she  accepts  her  own  destiny  of  watching  and  waiting  at  home  on  the 
beach  I 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  119 

"You'll  be  a  strong  man,  won't  you,  when  you  grow  up?"  she 
says. 

"  Yc9 ;  and  I'll  buy  you  a  pretty  new  dress,  and  ribbons  every 
year,"  ho  answers. 

After  all,  it  is  not  much  they  ask  for  of  life,  as  they  sit  dreaming 
and  plnying  on  the  beach.  lie  will  have  his  vessel,  will  make  stormy 
trips  to  Georges  and  the  Banks ;  and  leave  wife  and  children  waiting 
and  praying  for  him  nt  home.  The  girl's  fancies  will  always  keep 
bright  and  warm.  She  will  have  a  house  of  her  own,  with  neat,  painted 
floor,  and  pretty  white  curtains  and  quilts,  and  flowers  at  the  open 
window  in  summer.  And  by  and  by,  when  she  waits  on  the  beach, 
her  face  will  be  turned  toward  the  sea,  not  from  it  as  now,  and  she 
will  be  watching  for  the  coming  of  the  loved  one's  vessel  safe  home 
after  the  storm. 

The  thoughts  of  youth  are  long,  long  thoughts.  They  flow  out  in 
strange,  sweet  ways ;  they  tell  a  thousand  different  stories,  all  in 
different  tones ;  the}''  make  a  fairy  land  for  children  to  dwell  in. 
Perhaps  we  have  not  guessed  this  boy  and  girl's  thoughts  aright ;  no 
doubt  they  are  a  great  deal  brighter  than  anything  we  can  imagine, 
and  if  we  follow  them  very  far,  we  shall  be  obliged  to  stop  and  rest. 
We  know  that  they  are  bright  and  boundless  as  the  sea  that  lies 
behind  them,  for  wo  can  see  the  reflection  of  them  in  their  happy 
faces. 


The  Cape  Ann  Fishermen  of  To-day. 

Those  who  man  the  fishing  vessels  of  to-day  represent  all  nation- 
alities, and  present  a  marked  contrast  to  the  fishermen  of  a  quarter 
centurjf  ago,  when  thcj'  were  composed  mostly  of  native-born  citizens. 
The  business  has  since  that  time  increased  so  rapidly  that  it  became 
necessary  to  look  elsewhere  for  men.  Very  naturally  the  supply  has 
been  obtained  in  great  numbers  from  the  Provinces,  and  Nova 
Scotians  represent  a  large  majority,  of  the  men  now  pursuing  the 
vocation.  Among  them  may  be  found  some  of  the  smartest  skippers 
of  the  fleet.  These  have  made  good  use  of  the  opportunities  presented, 
and  by  their  good^ualities  as  seamen,  capacity  to  handle  a  vessel,  and 
possessed  with  sufficient  daring  to  run  the  risks  of  winter-fishing, 
they  have  attained  good  positions.  Many  of  them,  who  came  here 
with  scarcely  a  dollar  in  their  pockets,  are  now  owners,  or  part 
owners,  of  vessels,  showing  an  energetic  spirit  of  industry  and  perse- 


120  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

verance,  which  has  surmounted  difficulties  and  brought,  as  a  reward 
of  their  toil,  good  returns. 

These  men,  as  a  class,  are  naturally  fitted  for  the  business.  Born' 
and  reared  by  the  sea,  most  of  them  of  poor  parents,  it  became  a 
necessity  for  them  to  earn  their  own  living  at  a  very  early  age. 
Fishing  was  about  the  only  occupation  in  which  they  could  engage 
in  the  Provinces,  and  in  this  branch  they  commenced,  bringing  to 
it  all  the  energies  of  youth,  and  by  its  pursuit  laying  the  foundation 
of  robust  health,  which  enabled  them  to  bear  the  toil  it  demanded, 
and  preparing  them  for  the  more  advanced  positions  which  were 
ofiered  on  board  the  American  fishing  vessels. 

The  yearly  visits  of  our  fishing  fleet  into  the  Provincial  waters 
show  these  men  the  contrast  between  the  two  classes  of  vessels, 
Nova  Scotian  and  American ;  the  one,  clipper-built  and  well 
appointed  in  every  particular,  and  the  other,  clumsy  and  far  behind 
in  all  the  modern  improvements  and  fittings.  It  is  not  strange  that 
they  had  a  desire  to  connect  themselves  with  the  better  class  of 
vessels,  where  opportunities  for  becoming  masters  and  owners  were 
so  temptingly  held  out  as  the  reward  of  industry,  fidelity  and  daring 
to  venture  for  a  trip  of  fish  at  the  most  dangerous  and  inclement 
seasons  of  the  year.  They  caught  the  inspiration  of  the  Yankee 
fishermen,  as  they  associated  with  them  in  their  summer  visits  after 
mackerel,  and  learned  of  the  winter  fishing  on  Georges  and  the  Banks ; 
of  the  chances  to  make  profitable  trips ;  the  opportunities  to  get 
ahead  in  the  States  ;  and  the  advantages  for  their  children  to  obtain 
an  education.  They  also  learned  how  well  the  vessels  were  provis- 
ioned. All  this  led  them  to  seek  for  chances  on  board  our  vessels, 
and  we  have  drawn  from  the  Provinces  hundreds  of  her  population, 
representing  all  grades,  with  a  good  proportion  of  really  valuable 
men,  who  to-day  are  numbered  among  the  energetic  and  thriving 
citizens  of  the  town. 

In  addition  to  these  are  the  Portuguese,  who  also  form  a  consider- 
ably large  percentage  of  the  fishermen  of  to-day.  They  make  good 
stewards,  being  industrious  and  very  fond  of  the  perquisites  which 
fall  to  the  lot  of  those  who  hold  this  position,  receiving  not  only  a 
full  share  with  the  men,  but  additional  compensation  for  their  ser- 
vices, and  other  privileges  which  they  are  not  slow  to  take  advantage 
of.  As  a  class  they  are  very  industrious,  very  prudent  also,  looking 
sharp  after  the  nickels,  fully  believing  in  the  adage  of  taking  care 
of  the  cents,  as  the  dollars  will  take  care  of  themselves. 

They  are  mostly  natives  of  the  Western  Islands,  are  quite  clannish, 


FISnERMEN'8   MEMORIAL  AND   SECORD   BOOK.  121 

ardent  Catholics,  and  very  fond  of  pictnres  representing  their  patron 
saints.  There  is  quite  a  settlement  of  them  in  Gloucester,  and,  taken 
as  a  class,  they  are  industrious  and  law-abiding  citizens.  Many  of 
them  own  houses  and  are  well-to-do  in  the  world. 

Then  there  is  quite  a  sprinkling  of  Irish,  Swedes,  Norwegians,  and 
Danes ;  in  fact,  every  nation  on  the  face  of  the  earth  is  represented 
among  the  fishermen.  Among  them  are  men  of  education,  who  by 
their  gentlemanly  bearing  betray  their  good-breeding,  and  by  the  class 
of  reading  matter  they  select,  are  at  once  known  as  men  of  culture. 
"  IIow  did  they  become  fishermen?"  asks  the  reader.  There  is  but 
one  replj'.  Something  went  wrong  with  them  at  home ;  as,  for 
instance,  the  case  of  an  Englishman,  who  followed  the  business  for 
twenty  years  in  succession,  as  steward,  —  and  a  good  steward  he 
was.  His  father  was  wealthy,  had  a  good  position,  and  this  son 
George  had  a  brilliant  future  in  prospective.  He  loved  a  girl  moving 
in  his  own  station  in  life,  and  they  were  betrothed.  Ho  staked  all 
on  her  whom  he  so  fondly  loved.  She  trifled  with  him,  oftentimes 
cutting  him  direct,  and  finally  encouraged  another  suitor,  a  man  of 
the  world,  who  seduced  her.  The  rest  is  soon  told.  George  lost  all 
faith  in  humanity  —  the  world  looked  dark  to  him.  He  left  England 
as  a  common  sailor,  came  to  Boston,  and  from  thence  drifted  down  to 
Gloucester,  where  he  followed  fishing.  He  never  returned  home. 
One  winter  evening,  as  he  sat  with  us  in  our  sanctum,  he  told  us  the 
story  of  his  life,  and  as  he  related  it  the  tears  rolled  down  his 
cheeks,  at  the  contrast  from  what  he  was,  and  what  he  might  have 
been,  perhaps,  with  a  family  around  him,  if  the  girl  of  his  heart 
had  only  proved  true  and  returned  the  love  which  he  had  so  freely 
bestowed. 

He  has  a  snug  competence,  and  the  evening  of  his  life  is  passed  in 
quiet  contentment.  No  more  he  follows  fishing,  or  ventures  on 
Georges  in  midwinter ;  but  amid  the  quiet  of  a  family  boarding- 
house,  he  is  awaiting  the  summons  which  shall  call  him  to  that  home 
beyond,  where  there  is  no  more  sorrow. 

Another  we  call  to  mind,  a  Swede ;  a  man  of  commanding  pres- 
ence, bold  as  a  lion,*a  good  navigator,  and,  if  he  had  let  rum  alone, 
would  have  made  his  mark  in  the  world.  But,  alas !  he  was  a  slave 
to  appetite,  and  the  noble  attributes  which  God  had  given  him  were 
prostituted.  None  knew  this  any  better  than  he,  and  yet  he  would 
drink,  and  one  night  his  body  was  found  in  the  harbor.  Many  a  tear 
was  dropped  as  his  remains  were  prepared  for  burial,  and  then  we 
knew  that  the  bottle  had  obtained  one  more  victory  —  had  secured 
one  more  victim. 


122  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

The  old-time  skippers  are  fast  disappearing  from  the  decks  of  the 
fishermen.  You  will  find  them  engaged  as  fitters-out  and  owners. 
Knowing  the  business  in  all  its  branches,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed 
that  tbey  are  to  follow  the  hook  and  line  all  their  lives.  No,  indeed ! 
They  place  their  son  or  some  other  competent  person  in  command 
of  the  craft,  and,  becoming  owners  or  part  owners  of  other  vessels, 
launch  out  into  the  business,  and  become  the  solid  men  of  the  town, 
who  may  be  seen  at  the  meetings  of  the  Gloucester  Fishermen's 
Insurance  Companj',  or  gathered  each  evening  in  the  reading-room, 
discussing  the  fishing  news,  and  giving  their  opinion  of  the  market 
and  the  prospect  of  a  good  year's  work.  Right  well  are  the}^  deserv- 
ing of  their  positions,  as  they  have  earned  them  by  continued  toil, 
when  with  their  lives  in  their  hands  they  left  the  home-port  behind 
and  sought  for  a  trip  of  fish,  when  the  winds  howled  and  the  sea  beat 
with  its  fury  against  their  craft,  threatening  to  swallow  it  up  and 
burj'  them  far  down  in  ocean  depths,  where  so  many  of  the  brave 
fishermen  have  found  a  grave,  and  the  loved  ones  on  shore  have 
waited  so  patiently  for  their  return. 

The  fishermen,  God  bless  them,  whether  on  the  land  or  sea !  Theirs 
is  a  life  of  toil ;  and  although  fortune  smiles  upon  them  occasion- 
ally and  sends  a  good  school  of  fish,  3'et  they  spend  hours  and  hours  at 
the  rail,  in  the  bitter  cold  of  winter,  waiting  for  a  bite  ;  —  "  grubbing," 
as  it  is  termed,  —  with  a  family  at  home,  whom  they  love  as  well  as 
any  one  loves  their  own  ;  and  the  bread  of  this  family  depending  upon 
the  catch  of  fish.  Oftentimes  these  fathers  will  lie  awake  at  night  in 
their  berths,  tossed  up  and  down  by  the  waves  of  Georges,  hoping 
that  he  may  do  well  this  trip  for  the  sake  of  his  loved  ones  who  are 
in  need  of  many  things  for  their  comfort.  This  is  no  fancy  picture, 
but  the  earnest  facts  in  the  lives  of  the  married  fishermen,  who  can- 
not stay  at  home  in  winter,  because  there  is  bread  to  win ;  and  they 
must  win  it.  All  honor  to  them.  Theirs  is  no  holiday  existence, 
but  a  continued  grappling  with  the  elements,  a  struggle  for  life,  with 
storm  and  old  ocean  in  its  anger  to  meet,  and  with  pluck  and  daring, 
they  wring  success  from  the  very  verge  of  the  grave. 


FISII£RMEM*S  MEMORIAL  AND   RECORD  BOOK.  123 


How  Harry  6.  came  to  Sign  the  Pledge. 


(Vu/t^  /- 


Harry  G.,  or  "  Jolly  "  Ilany,  as  ho  was  sometimes  called,  was  a 
noble  specimen  of  a  flshcrmnn,  being  active  to  duty  when  on  board 
the  vessel,  of  good  disposition,  possessed  of  a  fair  education,  and 
had  very  many  noble  traits  in  his  character  which  endeared  him  to 
his  shipmates. 

He  had  one  fault,  and  that  was  a  bad  one,  —  he  would  drink  liquor 
and  oftentimes  get  intoxicated ;  and  when  in  this  state  ho  was 
fleeced  of  his  hard  earnings.  Consequently  he  was  alwaj's  poor  and 
behind^iand.  Rum  so  got  the  better  of  him  at  last  that  it  was  evi- 
dent that  he  was  fast  going  under. 

One  night  in  February,  Harry  was  ashore.  He  had  come  in  that 
day  from  Georges  witli  a  good  trip,  and  having  got  a  little  money  on 
account,  he  drank  it  all  up  and  was  very  nearly  intoxicated,  when 
in  the  midst  of  a  driving  snow-storm  he  started  from  the  old  Fort 
Wharf,  to  go  on  board  the  vessel  which  was  lying  in  the  stream. 
The  liquor  had  begun  to  work,  and  as  Harry  was  sculling  his  boat, 
he  fell  overboard.  Ho  was  a  good  swimmer,  and  the  cold  bath 
sobered  him.  Now,  thought  Harry,  as  he  told  us  afterwards,  it's 
life  or  death  with  me.  If  it  had  not  been  for  rum,  I  should  not  have 
been  in  such  a  predicament. 

The  cold  water  struck  to  his  very  vitals,  and  with  great  difficulty 
he  kept  afloat.  Finally,  by  the  merest  chance  in  the  world,  he  got 
hold  of  the  rudder  of  his  vessel  and  held  on  for  dear  life.  Then  he 
"began  to  shout  for  help ;  but  the  wind  drowned  his  voice  and  tho 
cold  made  him  shiver.  He  heard  the  old  town  clock  strike  twelve, 
and  then  he  began  to  fully  realize  his  situation  and  the  danger  he 
was  in.  There  came  up  before  his  vision  the  sainted  face  of  his 
mother,  who  had,  j-ears  ago,  gone  on  to  the  better  land.  She  seemed 
very  near  to  him  that  night,  and  we  may  call  it  fancy  or  not,  his 
dear  mother  actually  seemed  to  be  with  him,  and  called  him  her 
darling  Harr}',  as  she  was  wont  to  when  he  was  a  lad.  He  saw  that 
dear  face,  which  he  remembered  as  last  having  gazed  upon  in  tho 
eoflSn ;  ho  saw  the  smile  which  was  so  dear  to  him  all  along  his 
youthful  journey,  and  then  he  heard  her  speak.  This  was  what  she 
said :  — 

"  My  darling  Harry,  j'our  mother  from  her  home  on  high  comes  to 
you  this  night  in  your  perilous  position,  and  asks,  if  she  will  get  you 
safe  from  the  danger  v.iiich  threatens,  that  3-ou  will  quit  drinking 
liquor  and  never  touch  it  again." 


124  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

All  this  did  not  take  but  a  moment,  so  Harry  said ;  and  he  told 
his  mother,  or  what  he  solemnly  declares  was  his  mother's  spirit,  that 
if  he  escaped  that  night,  he  would  sign  the  pledge  and  keep  it. 

The  next  thing  he  recollects,  was  the  skipper,  leaning  over  the 
vessel's  stern  and  asking  who  it  was  that  hallooed  ?  Harry  explained 
the  situation,  and  was  drawn  on  board  more  dead  than  alive.  He 
went  into  his  be^th  and  all  night  long  dreamed  of  his  mother.  Up 
before  his  vision  there  came  the  days  of  his  happy  childhood,  and 
then  gradually  came  the  changes,  and  the  word  liquor  seemed  posted 
up  all  about  his  berth,  and  then  came  the  word  ruin.  The  pledge 
IS  TorR  ONLY  SAFETY  then  appeared  in  letters  of  gold.  When  he 
awoke  in  the  morning  it  all  came  back  to  him :  the  fearful  position, 
clinging  to  the  rudder ;  his  mother's  voice  and  presence.  He  dwelt 
upon  it  all  day  long  as  he  walked  up  and  down  the  streets.  His 
companions  often  invited  him  to  drink;  but  he  steadily  refused, 
although  his  appetite  craved  it  in  a  most  violent  manner.  He  kept 
his  thoughts  on  his  last  night's  peril,  and  did  not  enter  a  rum-shop 
for  the  day.  After  supper  he  tidied  himself  up  as  well  as  he  could 
and  called  upon  a  good-hearted  deacon,  who  had  at  one  time  talked 
to  him  and  entreated  him  to  leave  oflT  drinking.  He  met  with  a  most 
cordial  reception,  the  good  old  deacon  at  once  giving  the  poor 
fellow  his  sympathy  and  support.  Ere  Harry  left  the  house  he  had 
signed  the  pledge,  and  by  the  memory  of  his  mother's  words  that 
night  he  was  enabled  to  keep  it.  They  acted  as  a  talisman  when- 
ever he  was  tempted. 

Life  was  far  different  to  Harrj'  after  signing  the  pledge.  In  two 
years*  time  he  was  skipper  of  a  vessel ;  then  he  became  part  owner ; 
then  he  married  a  woman  every  way  worthy  of  him.  He  is  in  the 
better  land  now,  and  his  last  days  were  happy  ones.  A  few  hours 
ere  his  spirit  took  its  flight,  he  told  a  comrade  who  was  watching  by 
his  bedside,  "  that  the  happiest  memory  of  his  life  was,  that  he  had 
never  broken  his  pledge.  Soon  I  shall  be  with  my  dear  mother,  and 
as  I  grasp  her  hand  in  the  other  world,  as  I  firmly  believe  that  I 
shall,  how  pleased  I  will  be  to  tell  her,  '  Mother,  dear  mother !  your 
boy  Harry  kept  his  pledge ! ' "  His  was  a  happy  death ;  and  no 
doubt  he  soon  joined  the  mother  he  so  dearly  loved. 


fishermen's  memorial  ai^  record  book.  125 

Picking  the  Nets  and  Trawls,  in  which  we  find  a 
Good  Haul  of  Sketches,  Incidents  and  Facts,  rel- 
ative to  the  Fisherman  and  his  Occupation. 

Getting  ▲  Fabb  under  DiFFicuLTiEs.  —  Schooner  Elisha  Crowell 
Capt.  Tboinpson,  of  this  port,  which  was  out  in  the  gale  of  January, 
1871,  "Western  Banks,  was  boarded  by  a  sea  on  the  night  of  the 
9th,  which  caused  her  to  part  her  cable,  stove  dories,  and  the  men  on 
deck  at  the  time  narrowly  escaped  being  washed  overboard.  The 
weather  moderating  on  the  following  day  they  again  shaped  their 
course  for  the  Banks,  the  vessel  having  been  blown  off  some  distance 
by  the  gale.  With  commendable  perseverance  they  set  to  work 
patching  up  the  disabled  dories,  and  succeeded  in  getting  three  of 
them  in  serviceable  condition.  A  few  odds  and  ends  of  trawl  gear, 
which  they  fortunately  had  on  board,  were  made  to  supply  the  place 
of  those  lost  in  the  gale,  and  having  two  or  three  days  of  fine  weather 
they  succeeded  in  taking  15,000  pounds  of  halibut  and  G,000  pounds 
of  codfish,  arriving  home  on  Saturday,  making  a  very  profitable  trip. 
The  perseverance  of  Capt.  Thompson  in  thus  finishing  up  his  voyage 
under  such  difficulties  is  certainly  worthy  of  commendation. 

A  MERrroRious  Act.  —  Capt.  Ezekiel  Call,  who  was  lost  in  the 
schooner  William  Murray,  during  the  severe  gale  of  April  2d,  1871, 
left  a  widow  and  five  small  children.  Soon  after  his  loss  she  was 
presented  with  a  house-lot  at  Riverdale,  and  her  relatives  and  friends 
signified  their  intention  of  building  a  house  thereon  and  making  her 
a  present  of  it.  The  money  for  the  lumber  was  raised  by  subscrip- 
tion, the  cellar  stoned  and  dug  by  willing  hands  ;  then  followed  the 
carpentry  work,  painting,  etc.,  all  done  by  volunteers.  The  house 
was  ready  for  occupancy  in  the  spring  of  1873,  and  the  thanks  of  the 
widow  and  the  fatherless  will  descend  as  a  benediction  upon  the 
hearts  of  those  who  assisted  in  its  erection  either  by  money  or  labor. 

Good  Pluck.  —  Skipper  John  Hamilton  and  crew  of  schooner 
Robert  Emmett,  of  this  port,  carried  away  her  foremast  on  Georges, 
during  the  gale  of  March,  1873.  They  did  not  allow  this  mishap  to 
break  up  their  trip ;  neither  did  they  get  another  vessel  to  tow  them 
into  port,  thereby  running  up  a  big  bill  for  the  owners  and  insurance 
company  to  pay.    No,  indeed ;  nothing  of  the  sort.    But  after  clear 


126  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

ing  away  the  wreck,  they  very  ingeniously  rigged  up  some  temporary 
sails  which  would  answer  the  pui*pose  of  reaching  port ;  then  they 
continued  their  fishing,  arriving  home  April  11th,  with  a  trip  of 
thirty  thousand.  Such  pluck  is  well  deserving  of  honorable  mention, 
and  the  Captain  and  his  men  proved  themselves  masters  of  the 
situation. 

A  Mammoth  Cod.  —  On  Tuesday,  July  22d,  1873,  Miss  Fannie 
Bemis,  of  St.  Louis,  while  on  a  fishing  excursion,  ofi"  Eastern  Point, 
on  board  the  yacht  United  States,  caught  a  codfish  which  weighed 
one  hundred  and  thirty  pounds.  Can  any  of  our  Gloucester  girls 
beat  this  ?    If  not,  St.  Louis  has  something  to  boast  of. 

Number  of  Gloucester  Firms  Engaged  in  the  Fishing  Business.  — 
There  are  fort3'-three  firms  engaged  in  the  fishing  and  fitting-out 
business  in  what  is  termed  Gloucester  Harbor.  Messrs.  John  Pew 
&  Son  fit  the  largest  number,  20  ;  Messrs.  Leighton  &  Co.  come  next, 
having  19  vessels ;  Messrs.  Smith  &  Gott  follow  with  16 ;  Messrs. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co.  have  14 ;  James  Mansfield  &  Sons,  13  ;  while 
several  have  12,  11, 10,  and  so  on. 

A  Good  Day's  Fishing.— On  Friday,  June  13th,  1873,  Mr 
Abraham  Geering,  of  East  Gloucester,  caught,  on  the  "  Old  Man's 
Pasture,"  two  halibut  whose  aggregate  weight  was  377  pounds.  He 
obtained  $21.34  for  them,  which  was  not  a  bad  day's  work.  It  is 
very  seldom  that  so  large  halibut  are  caught  off  this  shore. 

A  Heavy  Haul.  —  During  the  month  of  May,  1873,  schooner 
J.  W.  Bradley,  Captain  Griffin,  of  Eockport,  while  weighing  anchor  on 
Cashe's  Bank,  found  that  it  came  up  terribly  hard.  They  hove  away 
for  a  long  time,  and  on  bringing  it  to  the  surface,  found  that  they  had 
hauled  up  an  ocean  telegraph  cable.  On  coming  up  out  of  the  water 
it  parted  and  at  once  sank.  It  proved  to  be  the  French  Atlantic 
cable,  and  word  was  immediately  despatched  to  Boston,  and  the 
cable  was  fished  up  and  spliced  in  due  season. 

Begun  to  Crow  Too  Soon.  —  Old  Bill  P.,  of  East  Gloucester, 
was  a  queer  specimen  of  the  old  style  of  fishermen.  He  was  at  one 
time  skipper  of  a  small  fishing-boat,  and  had  made  a  poor  year*s 
work.  Late  in  the  fall,  while  lying  in  Salem  harbor,  he  determined  to 
see  if  he  couldn't  get  a  couple  barrels  of  flour  on  tick,  knowing  that 


FISIIERMEN'9  memorial  A^'D  RECORD  BOOK.  127 

if  he  could  do  so  he  would  be  pretty  well  supplied  for  the  wint<»r. 
Going  up  the  wharf,  he  espied  a  provision  store,  and,  stepping  in,  told 
a  plausible  story,  and  bargained  for  the  flour.  The  store-keeper, 
supposing  him  the  owner  as  well  as  skipper  of  the  craft,  concluded 
to  let  liim  have  it  on  a  short  credit.  Bill  was  delighted,  and  while 
rolling  the  second  barrel  down  the  wharf  met  one  of  the  crew,  and  in 
a  self-satisflud  tone  exclaimed  :  "  See  here,  Tom,  I  can  get  trusted  in 
Salem  for  two  barrels  of  flour,  while  in  Cape  Ann  no  one  would  let 
me  have  seven  pounds  I  "  It  so  happened  that  the  trader  overheard 
this,  and,  tapping  Bill  on  the  shoulder,  ordered  him  to  return  them 
forthwith.  The  old  fellow  felt  extremely  chopfallen  at  this  turn 
of  affairs ;  but  there  was  no  help  Cor  it,  and,  amid  the  laughter  of 
the  crowd,  returned  the  flour,  muttering  to  himself  as  he  went 
along,  "  What  a  fool  I  was  to  let  the  cat  out  of  the  bag  before  we  got 
under-wayfor  Cape  Ann  I  " 

A  Remarkable  Incident  op  Seafaring  Life.  —  Many  years 
ago,  two  brothers,  Capt.  Nathaniel  Smith,  of  Gloucester,  and  Capt. 
Ammi  R.  Smith,  of  Ipswich,  made  many  voyages  in  the  European 
trade.  It  so  happened  that  while  the  one  was  at  home  the  other  (\\  i<. 
would  be  abroad,  and  they  had  not  seen  each  other  for  several  years. 
One  morning,  on  the  broad  Atlantic,  two  ships  sighted  each  other, 
the  one  steering  east  and  the  other  west,  with  a  strong  breeze.  The 
usual  preparations  were  made  for  "  speaking ;  "  and  upon  ranging 
within  hailing  distances,  the  sails  were  thrown  back,  and  there, 
trumpet  in  hand,  stood  the  two  brothers  face  to  face,  each  on  his  own 
quarter-deck.  Affectionate  greetings,  with  the  tidings  from  abroad, 
and  the  thrice  welcome  news  from  home  were  exchanged,  and  after 
cordial  wishes  for  each  other's  prosperity,  the  vessels  filled  away  on 
their  course.  They  did  not  meet  again  on  shore  or  at  sea  for  some 
years  afterwards. 

Didn't  Pat.  —  Upon  the  return  home  of  one  of  our  vessels  from 
Georges,  the  master  and  owner  wore  extremely  loth  to  settle  with  the 
crew  immediately  after  selling  the  trip,  and  some  of  the  men  were 
afraid  they  would  not  get  their  money  very  soon.  Among  them  was 
an  Irishman,  who  seemed  bent  on  securing  money  or  its  equivalent. 
Finding  his  efibrts  failed  to  bring  the  "cash"  he  fell  back  on  the 
"  equivalent,"  and  proposed  to  take  a  portion  of  the  schooner's  cable 
in  lieu  of  the  greenbacks. 


128  fishermen's  siemorial  and  record  book. 

"  I  should  be  most  happy  to  accommodate  you,  Mike,"  replied  the 
skipper,  "  but  I  never  ' pay  out?  my  cable  when  lying  in  port." 

Mike  saw  the  joke,  smiled,  and  walked  off,  and  in  a  few  days  a 
satisfactorj'-  settlement  was  made. 

A  Singular  Circumstance. — During  the  spring  of  1867,  schooner 
Live  Yankee  of  this  port,  while  on  Georges,  lost  her  bowsprit  and 
shroud.  A  year  after,  while  the  crew  were  busy  with  their  lines, 
one  of  them  hooked  on  to  something  which  came  up  mightj'^  hard. 
Finally,  it  was  made  fast  until  the  tide  turned,  when  it  was  hauled 
up  and  found  to  be  the  identical  shroud  which  had  been  lost  twelve 
months  before.  There  is  not  the  least  doubt  in  regard  to  its  iden- 
tity, and  it  is  remarkable,  that  after  such  a  length  of  time  the  shroud 
should  be  recovered  by  the  same  vessel,  when  there  is  such  a  large 
fleet  constantly  fishing  on  the  Banks. 

Kept  His  Ninepence.  —  Twenty-five  years  ago   a  fisherman   at 
Riverdale  made  a  trip  to  the  Grand  Banks.     He  was  absent  three 
weeks,   and  encountered  a  severe  gale,  which  knocked  the  vessel 
J  down  and  nearly  swamped  her.    Finally,  after  great  difficulty,  he 

•  succeeded  in  reaching  port  in  safety ;  when,  upon   settling  up,   he 

received  as  balance  due  a  silver  ninepence,  after  deducting  his  store- 
bill.  He  took  it  home,  and,  stringing  it  on  a  bit  of  ribbon,  wore  it 
around  his  neck,  making  a  solemn  vow  never  again  to  go  to  winter 
fishing,  so  long  as  he  was  not  obliged  to  spend  that  ninepence.  He 
wore  it  for  a  long  time,  and  finally  hung  it  up  alongside  the  kitchen 
clock,  where  it  may  be  seen  to-day,  and  consequently  he  has  nevei 
ventured  on  another  trip. 

A  Cent  Found  in  a  Pollock's  Paunch.  —  Mr.  "William  Thurs- 
..        ton,  of  this  town,  while  dressing  a  pollock  in  the  spring  of  1868,  found 
1"      a  nipkel  cent  bearing  the  date  1867.    The  question  is,  how  came 
it  there  ? 

"Truth  Stranger  than  Fiction." — There  formerly  resided 
fhere  in  town  a  widow  woman  who,  in  her  younger  days,  resided  in 
INova  Scotia,  where  her  father  kept  a  lighthouse.  One  day,  during  a 
violent  gale,  a  vessel  was  driven  on  shore,  and  out  of  the  entire  crew 
a  young  lad  alone  was  saved.  Her  father  took  charge  of  and 
adopted  him  as  his  son',  and  in  due  course  of  time  he  fell  in  love 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  dook.  129 

with  the  daughter.  A  lover*B  quarrel  occurred,  as  they  oftentimes 
will  during  courtships,  and  he,  feeling  considerably  vexed,  went 
away  to  sea.  The  family  moved  to  Gloucester,  and  tho  daughter 
married  one  of  tho  fishermen  who  was  lost  on  Georges.  Two  years 
after  this  event,  who  should  arrive  in  town  but  tho  first  lover,  whom 
she  had  not  heard  of  since  he  went  away.  lie  learned  she  was  in 
town,  and  after  renewing  the  acquaintance  they  wore  married.  Being 
tired  of  going  to  sea,  he  followed  fishing,  and  last  season  was  lost 
among  those  who  lost  their  lives  on  these  treacherous  fishing- 
grounds. 

A  Plucky  Fisherman.  —  During  the  extreme  cold  and  boisterous 
weather  of  March,  1872,  tho  vessels  on  Georges  had  a  rough  time  of 
it,  and  the  men  were  glad  to  take  refuge  below,  where  they  could  keep 
comfortable.  On  board  tho  Frederick  Gerring,  Jr.,  there  was  a 
plucky  fellow  named  Alexander  Anderson,  who  had  not  caught  quite 
his  share,  and  ho  was  determined  to  make  up  the  number.  Donning 
an  extra  suit,  over  which  ho  put  on  his  rubber  clothes,  and  t3'ing  his 
sou'wester  firmly  on  his  head,  ho  lashed  himself  securely,  and  there 
he  stood,  with  tho  spray  flying  over  him  and  freezing  as  it  struck. 
He,  however,  stuck  to  his  lines  and  caught  fifty-three  fish,  the  num- 
ber required,  and  then,  being  satisfied,  left  the  deck  for  more  comfort- 
able quarters. 

Life  for  One,  Death  for  the  Other.  —  Just  before  tho  ill- 
fated  schooner  Messenger  left  port,  Mr.  George  A.  Babcock,  one  of 
the  crew,  was  induced  to  leave  the  vessel,  at  the  solicitation  of  Capt. 
Hopkins,  of  schooner  Caleb  Eaton,  and  go  as  mate  on  a  herring 
voyage.  Capt.  Osier  afterwards  shipped  Mr.  Thomas  W.  Gray,  for- 
mer master  of  schooner  Wm.  V.  Hutchings,  and  the  vessel  left  port 
never  more  to  return.  It  proved  a  fortunate  change  for  Mr.  Bab- 
cock, as  he  had  not  the  slightest  idea  of  leaving  tho  vessel  until  a  few 
hours  before  he  consented  to  the  change.  Mr.  Gray  intended  to 
have  shipped  in  another  schooner,  but,  at  tho  solicitation  of  Capt. 
Osier,  who  was  ready  to  sail  and  anxious  to  make  his  complement 
of  men,  concluded  to  go  with  him.  Tho  chances  of  life  and  death 
are  indeed  very  narrow  at  times,  and  every  one  is  more  or  less  exposed 
^thereto.  But  we  never  fully  realize  it  until  instances  like  the  above  oc- 
cur, and  then  we  are  impressed  with  the  fact,  that  oftentimes  a  slight 
incident  may  result  in  an  entire  change  of  our  material  prospects, 
and  perhaps,  as  in  this  case,  remove  us  from  the  shores  of  time  into 
the  land  of  the  hereafter. 


130         fishermen's  memorial  Am>  record  book. 

Still  in  Existence.  —  The  fishing  schooner  Mancjhester,  which 
was  quite  an  old  vessel  when  sold  from  this  port  thirty  years  ago,  is 
still  in  existence,  and  was  sold  at  auction  in  Plymouth,  May,  1872, 
for  6662.  She  is  still  good  for  a  fare  of  fish,  notwithstanding  her  old 
age.  The  painting  of  the  late  Fitz  H.  Lane,  which  was  destroyed  in 
the  conflagration  of  the  former  town-house,  had  a  very  life-like 
sketch  of  this  famous  old  banker,  lying  in  the  harbor  cove,  washing 
out  a  fare  of  fish.    She  must  be  about  seventy  years  old. 

A  New  Fishing  Geound.  —  Country  fish-dealer  (not  posted  in 
geography). 

"  Here's  fresh  cod  'n  haddock  'n  halib-o-a-t." 

"  What  is  the  price  of  halibut,  Mr.  Napes?" 

"  Twenty  cents  a  pound,  ma'am." 

"  Why !  that  is  a  monstrous  price ;  what  makes  it  so  dear?  " 

"  It  is  a  very  nice  article,  ma'am,  the  real  Oeorgias  halibut ;  comes 
all  the  way  from  Georgia,  packed  in  ice ;  makes  it  come  high." 

Economical  housekeeper  concluded  that  she  would  not  invest. 


FISHEBMEN'S    MEllOEIAL  AND  BECOBD  BOOK. 


131 


Dashings  of  Spray  from  Wavelets  of  Maritime 
Poetry  by  Home  Authors. 


THE   SKIPPER-HERMIT. 


BY   HIRAM    RICH. 


For  thirty  year,  come  herrln'-tlme. 

Through  many  kind  o'  weather. 
The  "  Wren  "  an'  me  have  come  an'  gone, 

An'  held  our  own  together. 
Do'  know  aa  she  is  good  aa  new, 

Do'  know  as  I  am,  nuther ; 
But  she  is  truer'n  kit'  an'  kin, 

Or  any  but  a  mother. 

They're  at  me  now  to  stay  ashore, 
But  while  we've  hand  an'  tiller, 

Bhe'll  stick  to  me  an'  I  to  her,  — 
To  leave  the  '•  Wren  "  would  kill  her. 


My  feet  have  worn  the  deck ;  ye  SM 
How  watches  leave  their  traces, 

An'  write  on  oak  an'  pine  as  plain 
As  winters  on  our  faces  I 

But  artcr  all  is  said  an'  done, 

There's  somethin'  sort  o'  human 
About  a  boat  that  takes  at  last 

The  place  o'  child  and  woman ; 
An'  yet  when  I  have  seen  some  things- 

Their  mothers  let  mo  toss  'cm  — 
My  boat,  she  seemed  a  barnacle 

'Longside  a  bran>new  blossom 


132 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


Bometlmes  to  me  fbe  breeee  off-shore 

Comes  out  upon  the  water, 
As  if  it  left  the  grave  of  her — 

No  wife  to  me  nor  daughter. 
Lor !  if  I  knowed  where  green  or  no 

The  turf  is  sweet  ahove  her, 
I'd  buy  a  bit  o'  ground  there,  —  wide 

As  a  gull's  wings  would  cover. 

"We  know  the  tricks  of  wind  an'  tide 

That  mean  an'  make  disaster, 
An'  balk  'em,  too  —  the  "  Wren  "  an'  me  - 

Off  on  the  01'  Man's  Pastur', 
I>ay  out  an'  in  the  blackfish  there 

Go  wabblin'  out  an'  under. 
An'  nights  we  watch  the  coasters  creep 

From  light  to  light  in  yonder. 

An'  then  ag'in  we  lay  an'  lay 

Off  Wonson's  Cove  or  Oakses  — 
None  go  by  our  compass-light, 

Nor  we  by  other  folkses. 
Ashore,  the  ball-room  winders  shine 

Till  weary  feet  are  wamin', 
But  here  an'  there's  a  sick-room  light 

That  winks  away  till  momin'. 


An'  Sundays  we  go  nigber  in, 

To  hear  the  bells  a-ringin',  — 
I  aint  no  hand  for  sermons,  you, 

But  singin's  allers  singin'. 
The  weathercocks  —  no  two  agree  — 

Like  men  they  arg'  an'  differ. 
While  in  the  cuddy-way  I  set 

An'  take  my  pipe,  an'  whiff  her. 

My  pipe  —  eh!  p'ison?  mighty  s-l-o-w; 

It  makes  my  dreamin'  clearer. 
Though  what  I  fill  it  with  now-days 

Is  growin'  dearer  'n'  dearer. 
I  takes  my  comfort  when  it  comes, 

Then  no  lee-lurch  can  spill  it. 
An'  if  my  net  is  empty.  Lor'  I 

Why,  how  can  growlln'  fill  it? 

An'  BO  we  jog  the  hours  away. 

The  gulls  they  coo  an'  tattle. 
Till  on  the  hill  the  sundown  red 

Starts  up  the  drowsin'  cattle. 
The  seiners  row  their  jiggers  by; 

I  pull  the  slide  half  over. 
An'  shet  the  shore  out,  an*  the  smeU 

Of  sea-weed  sweeter'n  clover. 

Scribner's  Monthly. 


THE   TIDE. 

BT  HENBT  A.   EEKDAIX. 


The  tide  is  in,  anon  Is  out, 
Nor  lingers  at  the  turning; 

And  man,  as  restless  as  the  sea, 
Its  thriftlessness  is  learning ; 

Two  busy  brothers  gathering  in, 
And  having  gathered,  sp timing. 


The  waves  bring  pearls  upon  the  shore. 
Yet  on  the  shore  no  pearls  there  be ; 

For  fortune  varies  ebb  and  flow, 
And  with  the  waves'  monotony ; 

For  hopes,  like  pearls  and  shells,  come  in. 
But  with  the  tide  go  out  to  sea. 


FISHEIUIEN's  memorial  and   KECOIID    BOOK. 


133 


THE  BARK  COMES  BACK  NO  MORE. 

BY   JAMES    DAVIS. 


Never  more,  never  more, 

Cometh  back  to  the  shore, 
The  flehermcu's  bark  that  bo  gaily  departed  I 

And  never  a  word 

Of  tidings  is  heard. 
To  tell  of  her  fate  to  the  desolate-beuted. 

With  full,  swelling  sail. 
Before  the  fair  gale. 
The  home-port  she  left  with  her  flag  gaily 
streaming ; 
And  not  one  brave  heart 
That  in  her  did  depart. 
Of  her  perilous  voyage  on  the  ocean  was  dream- 
ing. 

Far  out  on  the  tide 

Awhile  they  did  ride. 
And  the  sea's  finny  treasures  their  labor  re- 
warded; 

While  thoughts  of  their  cheer. 

As  home  they  should  steer, 
A  comfort  mid  toil  and  privation  aflbrded. 


But  never  again 

Shall  come  back  those  brave  men , 
Their  forms  'neath  the  dark  waves  of  ocean  atv 
sleeping; 
And  loved  ones  on  shore 
Their  sad  fate  deplore. 
And  eyes  have  grown  weary  with  watching 
and  weeping. 

Weep  no  more !  weep  no  more  t 
Te  mourners  on  shore. 
For  the  lost  ones  whom  fate  ttom  your  boaomfl 
hath  riven ; 
For  though  their  frail  bark 
Went  down  in  the  dark. 
The  crew  have  arrived  safe  in  Love's  bless^ 
haven. 

And  thongh  to  the  shore 

Shall  come  back  never  more 
The  fishermen's  bark  that  so  gaily  departed. 

In  that  haven  above 

You  will  meet  them,  where  Love 
All   sorrow   shall   chase   fh>m    the  desolati*- 
•  lAariwI. 


134 


FISHEEMEN'S   MEMORIAIi  AND  RECORD  BOOK. 


ASLEEP   ON  THE   BEACH. 


BT  OEOB6E  H.   PROCTER. 


There's  a  dear  little  child  at  play 
On  the  beach,  with  its  pebbly  shore ; 

Bright  and  joyous  the  summer's  day, 
And  hushed  the  sound  of  ocean's  roar. 

The  tiny  waves  dance  up  and  down, 
Sparkling  and  rippling  merrily; 

The  child  with  play  hath  tired  grown, 
And  lain  him  down  quite  wearily. 

Higher  and  higher  up  they  creep, 

Those  rippling  wavelets  tipped  with  white, 
Off  from  the  bosom  of  the  deep, 

Along  the  sand  they  take  their  flight. 

In  they  keep  rolling  with  the  tide; 

The  boy  sleeps  on  —  so  free  from  care; 
O'er  the  waters  the  light  winds  glide. 

And  sunbeams  Mas  his  golden  hair. 

Old  grandpa,  who  can  scarcely  creep, 
With  palsied  limbs  —  voice  feeble,  too,  — 

Sees  from  his  door  the  child  asleep ; 
Great  God !  what  is  there  he  can  do  ? 

With  quivering  lips,  uplifted  hand, 
He  prays,  midst  sighs  and  weeping, 

That  the  good  Lord  from  off  the  sand 
Would  save  the  child  there  sleeping. 

"  Descend,  O  Father,  from  the  skies, 

And  touch  with  spirit  of  light 
My  little  grandcMld's  sleeping  eyes, 

Or  stay  the  proud  waves'  might  1 " 

His  prayer  is  ended ;  he  has  done 
All  that  he  cau  to  save  the  boyi 


And  left  him  in  the  care  of  One 
Mighty  to  save  or  to  destroy. 

Hush !  what  does  the  old  man  see 
Skipping  along  o'er  the  pebbly  ground  ? 

Bruno,  his  dog,  who,  leaping  free, 
His  master  joins  with  a  joyous  bound. 

"  Bruno,  good  dog!  there's  Charlie  dear, 
Your  playmate,  lying  on  the  shore; 

Go  quickly,  now,  and  bring  him  here. 
Ere  rising  waters  sweep  him  o'er ! " 

Showing  the  dog  an  old  toy  gun, 

Which  oft  he'd  seen  in  Charlie's  hands,  — 
He  knew  at  once,  and  off  he  run, 

Bounding  across  the  glistening  sands. 

The  child  Is  reached.    Haste,  Bruno,  haste ! 

There  may  not  need  another  wave ; 
The  waters  rise  —  Oh,  do  not  waste 

A  moment  more  if  life  you'd  save  I 

Brave  dog  1  gifted  with  instincts  rare. 
How  gently  you  lift  that  little  waif 

Out  from  the  surf,  and  with  such  care 
Place  him  above  where  all  is  safe ! 

The  mother  came  with  bated  breath ; 

How  she  had  run  from  grandpa's  side  I 
She  feared  her  boy  had  met  his  death. 

There  on  the  sand  amid  the  tide. 

But  when  she  saw  his  opening  eyes. 
And  watched  his  tiny,  heaving  chest. 

Oh,  joy  untold !  what  glad  surprise  I 
Ecstatic  rapture  fiUed  her  breast. 

Phrenological  JoumaX. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  135 


LOST  AT  SEA. 


BT   SABAH  O.    DCLET. 


LottI 

Wfry  and  tempest-tossed, 

Lost  at  sea  I 
The  ship  went  down  In  the  foam. 
And  found  a  watery  home, 
While  the  waves  resistless  roam 

Wild  and  free. 

Lost  I 

Flats  of  fate  were  crossed, 

Lost  at  sea  I 
With  seaweed  and  coral  dressed, 
And  hand  crossed  o'er  his  breast, 
In  a  wakeless,  dreamless  resti 

Blcepeth  he. 

LostI 

In  ocean's  foam  and  fh>st, 

Lost  at  sea  I 
And  no  tear  falls  o'er  their  grave. 
But  the  restless  ocean  wave 
Boanu  o'er  monarch  and  o'er  slave 

In  its  glee. 


Lost! 

The  ones  we  have  loved  most. 

Lost  at  seal 
For  they  may  not  walk  the  shore. 
When  some  long,  long  voyage  is  o'er. 
And  they,  with  us  no  more 

Bend  the  knee. 

Lost! 

And  pallid  hands  are  crossed. 

Lost  at  sea  I 
And  maidens'  eyes  are  dim. 
And  mothers'  eyes  o'crbrim 
As  they  sadly  think  of  him 

In  the  sea. 

Lost! 

They  are  a  mighty  host, 

Lost  at  sea! 
And  the  waves  say  with  their  moan, 
I  am  monarch  —  all  I  own  — 
Tis  to  me  they  all  have  gone,  — 

Gone  to  me. 


13  G  fisheemen's  memokial  and  kecokd  book. 


AFTER   THE   STORM. 


BT  HENBT  C.    L.   HASKELL. 


I  would  I  could  paint  the  picture  — 

I  have  only  to  shut  my  eyes 
And  a  long  white  reach  of  sandy  beach 

Will  straight  before  me  rise. 

And  a  mass  of  dusky  billows 
Whitc-maned  and  tumbling  in 

"With  a  crash  and  roar  to  the  sandy  shore, 
And  a  wild  and  ceaseless  din. 

Behind  in  the  west,  a  rampart 
Of  clouds  that  are  dun  and  wild, 

And  the  sun  just  dips  to  their  crimson  tips 
Wheio  the  darkest  mass  is  piled. 

There  where  the  waves  seem  fiercest, 
It  their  maddened  rush  and  roar — 

With  her  starboard  side  to  the  tossing  tide 
Lieti  a  fated  bark,  ashore. 

Her  tall  jr.itsts  bend  as  the  billows, 
Bising  in  stormy  might, 


Are  a  moment  seen  of  a  dusky  green. 
Ere  falling  broken  and  white. 

I  can  see  her  mainmast  totter, 
Then  plunge  in  the  seething  tide; 

While  toward  the  strand  of  damp  wnite  sand 
The  shattered  fragments  glide. 

There  goes  the  foremast  over. 

Whiter  the  great  waves  curl; 
And  over  her  pour  with  their  sullen  roar, 

And  a  madder  rush  and  whirl. 

We  turn  from  the  white  beach  homeward, 

But  pause  to  glance  once  more ; 
The  moonbeams  shine  in  a  silver  line 

O'er  the  waves  to  the  sandy  shore. 

For  the  purple  of  eve  has  gathered 
And  spread  from  the  eastern  skies ; 

And  the  billows  moan  where  shattered  and 
lone 
A  dreary  wreck  she  lies. 


fishebmen's  memorial  and  recx)rd  book 


137 


THAT   SUMMER    DAY   AT    NORMAN'S    WOE. 

BT  OEOHOB  B.   FBOCTSm. 


Mem'ry,  tend  yonr  macio  power*, 
Retrue  tho  picture*  one  by  one; 

Boll  back  tho  yean,  recall  tho  honra  — 
That  innimcr  day  In  'fifty -one. 

Turn  back  the  page*  in  life'*  book, 
Oh,  faltMUl  mcm'ry,  fond  and  true; 

Once  more  reveal  the  cozy  nook 
At  Normau'a  Woe  —  the  acenc  ronow. 

Old  ocean  In  ita  calmest  mood 
The  boata  swayed  gently  by  the  tide ; 

While  o'er  across,  the  light-house  stood. 
Which  winter's  storms  bad  long  defied. 

That  day  so  fragrant  with  ita  Joy, 
Her  whom  I  loved  —  that  plcaaant  atroll ; 


Pure  happlnasa  wttboat  alloy  — 
Heart  answered  heart  and  soul  metsouL 

She  gave  the  promise  —  untold  bllaa  t 
Through  all  our  Uvea  our  love  ibouid  flow 

Wo  sealed  the  promise  with  a  klaa. 
That  summer  day  at  Xorman's  Woe. 

We've  walked  together  twenty  years  — 
Oft>tlmes  the  path  has  not  been  smooth, 

]tut  e'en  these  varied  hopea  and  feara 
Have  served  aa  testa  our  love  to  prove. 

I  ne'er  regret  her  aaying  yea. 
And  giving  mo  her  heart  so  true ; 

LIfu's  cup  i»  full,  for  mine's  the  bllM 
Of  being  loved,  and  loving  too. 


SKIPPER   JACK. 

BT  OLD  LOCALITT. 

■r>\  •?\L>"' v'-Tv  " 


With  hair  white  as  the  sea-gull's  plume 
All  bleached  on  the  stormy  sea. 

With  features  bland,  and  large  of  heart, 
A  kind  old  man  was  be. 


The  battling  storms  of  eighty  years 

On  life's  long  ocean  roll, 
Had  left  no  spray  in  his  eagie  eye, 

Nor  ice  on  his  noble  soul. 


138 


FISHERMEN  S  MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK. 


His  Bmlle  came  oat  with  a  ennny  gleam, 

As  it  came  In  the  days  of  yore ; 
And  his  voice  had  a  soothing  charm  like  the 
waves 

When  they  sing  on  a  shelving  shore. 

The  young  folks  gathered  at  eventide, 

With  a  bright,  expectant  eye, 
For  a  ballad  tune  of  the  olden  time. 

Or  a  tale  of  the  days  gone  by. 

He  eung  of  the  fight  on  Bunker's  Height, 

And  how  the  red-coats  ran ; 
How  Lawrence  brought  his  noble  ship 

In  sight  of  old  Cape  Ann. 

He  told  that  far,  far  back  in  the  past, 

Full  sixty  years  and  more, 
The  old  ship  "  Howard  "  stranded,  lay 

A  wreck  on  onr  rocky  shore. 


He  Bang  of  the  deeds  of  Captain  Kidd,  — 

How  the  pirate  loved  to  rove; 
Of  the  shining  gold  that  he  had  buried  deep 

In  the  dingle  at  Grapevine  Cove. 

He  told  of  his  childish  sports,  and  how 

Full  seventy  summers  back. 
The  glow  on  his  cheeks  was  the  bloom  of  health, 

And  the  curls  on  his  brow  were  black. 

And  he  fondly  smiled  on  the  gentle  Sue 

Who  sat  near  his  aged  knee ; 
And  pressed  his  lip  to  her  shining  brow, 

For  a  kind  old  man  was  he. 

Then  drop  a  tear  for  Skipper  Jack, 

The  best  of  the  brothers  seven ; 
We  would  not  call  his  spirit  back 

From  its  anchor-hold  in  Heaven. 


JERRY   AND    ME. 


BT  HTKAM   BICH. 


No  matter  how  the  chances  are, 
Nor  when  the  winds  may  blow. 

My  Jerry  there  has  left  the  sea 
With  all  its  luck  an'  woe ; 

For  who  would  try  the  sea  at  all. 
Must  try  it,  luck  or  no. 

They  told  him  —  Lor',  men  take  no  care 
How  words  they  speak  may  fall  — 

They  told  him,  blunt,  he  was  too  old, 
Too  slow  at  oar  and  trawl; 

An'  this  is  how  he  left  the  sea. 
An'  luck  an'  woe  an'  all. 

Take  any  man  on  sea  or  land, 

Out  of  his  beaten  way, 
If  he  is  young  'twill  do,  but  then, 

If  he  is  grieved  or  gray, 
A  month  will  be  a  year  to  him, 

Be  all  to  him  you  may. 

He  sits  by  me,  but  most  he  walks 

The  dooryard  for  a  deck. 
An'  scans  the  boat  a-going  out. 

Till  she  becomes  a  speck. 
Then  turns  away,  his  face  as  wet 

As  if  she  were  a  wreck. 


The  men  who  haul  the  net  an*  line 

Are  never  rich ;  sin'  you 
My  johnny  here  —  a  grown-up  man  — 

Is  man  an'  baby  too. 
An'  we  have  naught  for  rainy  days, 

An'  rainy  days  are  due. 

My  Jerry,  diffident,  abroad 

As  restless  as  a  brook. 
An'  when  he  left  the  boat  an'  all. 

Home  had  an  empty  look; 
But  I  will  win  him  by  an'  by 

To  like  the  window  nook. 

I  cannot  bring  him  back  again 
The  days  when  we  were  wed ; 

But  he  shall  never  know — my  man  — 
The  lack  o'  love  or  bread. 

While  I  can  cast  a  stitch,  or  fill 
A  needleful  of  thread. 

God  pity  me,  I'd  most  forgot 

How  many  yet  there  be, 
Whose  good  men,  full  as  dear  as  mine. 

Are  somewhere  on  the  sea; 
Who  hear  the  breakin'  bar,  an'  think 

Of  Jerry  home  an'  me. 

AUanUc  Monthly. 


nSDEKMEN'S  MEMOHIAL  AND  RECORD   BOOK.  139 


THE    FISHER'S    WIDOW. 

BT   OEOBGE   U.    PBOCTES. 


Fair  waa  that  morning  In  winter, 
When  he  kUsed  her  good-by.    Fair  was  the 

breeze 
Which  filled  the  sails  of  his  schooner, 
As  gayly  she  sped  out  of  the  harbor  for  Qeorges. 
Fondly  she  gazed  after  him, 
Watching  the  white  foam  whioli  feathered  the 

track 
Of  the  "Margery" — her  name,  and  that  of 

the  trim 

Little  craft  be  commanded. 

Her  prayers  followed  him, 
And  each  night  as  her  head  prer sed  the  pillow. 
Her  Ood  was  entreated  to  caro  for  all 
On  the  watery  depths ;  then  one 
'Earnest  pica  for  Roger,  —  whose  heart  waa 

hers, — 
Would  fall  sweetly  asleep,  with 

Dreams  full  of  bright  pictures  and  fiincies. 

Three  weeks  passed  away, 
Bringing  around  the  time  for  his  return ; 
How  anxious  now  the  hoars  I    For  those  com 

ingin 
From  the  treacherous  Banks,  brought  fearftal 

tidings 
Of  a  sudden  gale  I    Terrible  the  tales 
Of  drifting  vessels,  of  collisions  and  founder- 

ings, 
Of  hair-breadth  escapes,  broken  spars. 

And  parted  cables. 


One  after  another,  the  fleet  slowly  nmnded  the 
Point, 

For  the  wind  had  spent  iteelf^  and  waa  gentle 
now; 

But  nearly  all  had  torn  sails,  damaged  span  or 
hulls. 

As  their  namea  were  repeated,  many  a  besTy 
heart 

In  Gloucester  town  grew  light ;  wives  and  chil- 
dren 

Were  happy  as  they  greeted  husbands  and 
fathers 
Whom  they  feared  would  nevermore  rctom. 

"Where's  the  'Margery'?  Have  you  seen 

her? 
Tell   me  true  I    Have   you   not  spoken   the 

'  Margery,' 
Or  seen  her  since  the  gale?  " 
These  were  the  queries  which  the  young  wife 

made. 

One  skipper  said,  ••  The  ♦  Margery ' 
Lay  right  'longside  his  vessel  —  the  '  Union,' 
Two  days  afore  the  blow,  and  had  shifted 

bertha 
Early  in  the  momin*  in  hope*  to  finish  their 

catch, 
Then  homeward  go."    Another  said,  "  that  a 

vessel, 
Which  he  took  to  be  her,  had  started  for  home 


140 


FISHERMEN  S   MEMORIAL   AND   RECORD  BOOK. 


The  very  momln'  of  the   gale;"  while  yet 

another 
Thought  he  "  saw  her  adrift,  drivin'  down  to 

lu'ard; 
Where  the  heft  of  the  fleet  were  layin'." 

The  young  wife  hoped  against  hope, 
Thinking  that  the  "  Margery  "  had  been  blown 

off, 
And  gone  into  some  distant  port 
"Where  tidings  were  long  in  coming; 
Or  that  her  husband  and  his  men 
Had  been  taken  off  by  some  vessel  bound  afar, 
And  they  would  come  back  again. 

But  the  "  Margery  "  never  more  returned  to 
port! 


She  sank  'neath  the  waters,  In  that  fearful 

storm: 
Three  other  vessels  went  with  her,  and  forty 

souls 
"Winged  their  way  upward,  — 

With  them,  the  skipper  of  the  "Margery." 

The  fisher's  widow  has  taken  up  her  cross. 
And  carries  it  with  a  firm  hope 
Of  again  meeting  her  loved  one 
In  that  land  beyond,  where  those  who  sail 
The  SGii  of  life  are  sure  to  meet  at  last. 
This  hope  brings  comfort. 
And  to-day,  with  hectic  flush  and  feeble  breath, 
She's  drawing  near  her  home,  having  a  hold  on 
God 

Strong  as  the  everlasting  hiils. 


LOOKED    FOR. 

BY   HIRAM    RICH. 


"All  the  apple  blooms  are  open  and  the  bees 

are  in  a  flurry 
While  I  walk  the  headland  orchard,  by  the 

sail-beclouded  sea, — 
The  single  sail  I  look  for's  a  long  time  a-com- 

lag> 
And  a  day  ia  longer  now  than  a  summer  used 
to  be. 


"  Every  night  I  make  a  beacon  of  my  little 
chamber  window ; 
Often  at  the  door  I  listen,  with  my  hand  upon 
the  key ; 
The  single  sail  I  look  for's  a  long  time  a-com- 
Ing; 
But  the  sudden  footstep  in  it  hath  no  echo 
of  the  sea. 


nSIIERMEN'S   MEMORIAL  AND   RECORD   BOOK. 


141 


"  All  my  twby-MwIor  flnUhed,  I  am  knitting, 
only  knitting, 
For  ho  loTca  to  find  me  ldlo>Uko  when  com' 
Ing  home  fW>m  •ca; 
The  alnglo  iall  I  look  for**  a  long  time  a-oom- 
InR: 
Dut  a  (Iny  without  my  Dcedlo  U  a  woary  one 
tome." 


All  the  apple  blooms  are  Mien  and  tbe  UD* 
b«M  are  dreaming, 
And  dceertcd  la  the  orchard  by  the  aall-for- 
•akon  sea ; 
The  only  ehlp  aho  looked  for  ia  anchored  In  the 
harbor, 
And  a  aallor  ait*  at  aapper  with  a  happy 

Th4  Indtpendtnt. 


SKIPPER    CHARLEY    OF   GLOUCESTER   TOWN. 

BT  OKOROB  H.   FBOCTEB. 


Don't  you  know  skipper  Charley,  of  Gloncca- 
ter  town, 
A  Jolly  old  fellow  of  upwards  fourscore. 
Whose  snug  Hltle   cot,  weather-beaten   and 
brown, 
BtJindB  at  Eastern  Point,  cloae  down  by  tbe 
shore? 


Skipper  Charlie's  first  trip  was  in  eighteen 

two, 

In  tbo  Jigger  "lantha,"  which  for  those  times 

Was  a  crack  UtUo  craft;  and  he  will  tell  you. 

He  was  ten  years  old  when  he  first  pulled  the 

lines. 


142 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


For  sixty  odd  years,  throagh  all  kinds  of 
weather, 
He  Bailed  the  salt  water  In  sunshine  and 
storm, 
Sharing  the  comforts  and  dangers  together 
With  shipmates  many  —  but  now  they're  all 
gone. 

'Tis  thrilling,  I  tell  you,  to  hear  him  repeat 
The  narrow  escapes  he  has  had  in  his  day ; 

And  many's  the  evening  I've  taken  my  seat 
In  his  chimney-corner  so  cozy  and  gay. 

"  Wa'al,  'bout  as  nigh  as  I  can  remember," 
(The  skipper  most  always  commences  this 
way,) 
"  'Twas  eighteen  forty -two,  the  first  of  Novem- 
ber, 
Comin'  from  mackrelUn'  in  Penobscot  Bay. 

"  Thatcher's  Light  we  saw  just  'afore  the  day 
broke, — 
Didn't  the  wlad  howl?  what  a  wild-lookin' 
skyi  — 
When   out  from   the  for'castle  curled  up  a 
smoke, 
An'  then  follored  a  blaze  most  half-mast 
high  I 

"  We  did  all  we  could  to  smother  the  fire. 
'Twasn't  any  use  tryin'  to  stop  its  fierce 
glow; 
It  kep'  on  a  blazin'  higher  an'  higher ; 
'Twas  soon  quite  sartin  the  old  Betsey  must 
go. 

"  We  jumped  in  the  boat  as  soon  as  we  could; 

I  shiver  to  think  of  that  momin's  cruise ; 
Oblecged  to  take  passage  in  just  what  we 
stood, 

Life  was  dear  to  as  then  -•&ul^findin's  no 


"  We  contrived  to  keep  the  old  boat  alive, 
'Twas  '  nip  and  tuck '  in  that  heavy  sea ; 

But  the  good  Lord  helpeth  those  who  strive. 
An'  Ae  sent  a  vessel  — that's  my  idee. 

"  For  nineteen  seasons,  one  arter  the  other, 
I  went  to  Georges  —  an'  that's  no  boys'  play  I 

'Twas  there  the  sea  washed  off  deckmy  young 
brother, 
An'  afore  my  own  eyes  he  drifted  away. 

"We  couldn't  save  him,  I  knew  that  full  well; 

But  I  heard  him  shout,  and  my  name  loudly 
call; 
Then  I  saw  his  dear  face  as  he  rose  and  fell 

On  a  white-capped  billow — and  that  was  all 

"  Many  a  night  arter,  I've  waked  up  from  sleep 
At  hearln'  that  call,  and  my  dead  brother's 
form 

Has  appeared,  as  if  comin'  up  from  the  deep ; 
I  saw  him  so  plainly —  and  then  he  was  gone. 

"I  went  one  season  more,  that  of  'sixty- two ; 
Time  of  the  big  blow  —  you  remember  it 
well: 
What  destruction  and  sorrow  then  did  accrue 
From  that  storm  on  Georges,  words  fail  me 
to  tell  I 

"  Such  a  terrible  night  I    Oh  I  didn't  it  blow  I 
An'  over  a  hundred  vessels  were  there ; 

When  one  parted  her  cable,  away  she'd  go 
Right  into  another,  and  down  went  the  pair. 

"We  rode  it  out,  safely,  but  how,  I  can't  tell; 

Fifteen  of  the  fleet  ne'er  again  h'isted  sail ; 
An'  a  hundred  and  thirty-eight  lives  went  to 
swell 
The  losses  on  Georges,  in  that  dreadfU 
gale." 


FISIIEUMEN'S  MJilMOBIAL  AND  BECOED   BOOK. 


143 


YACHTING. 


BT  HBMST  X.    KEin>AU. 


Fin,  snowy  inlto,  until  onr  ralla 

Careening  kisa  the  ica ; 
White  crests  of  foam  abandon  homt 

To  bear  us  company  I 

And,  brave  topmast,  defy  the  blast, 

Clear  whistle  in  the  wind; 
These  bright  green  waves  were  never  graves, 

Till  hope  was  left  behind. 

N'or  hopeful  decks  can  turn  to  wrecks 

While  water  washes  keel  — 
*'  Bo  bind  the  sheets  to  weather-cleats," 

Loud  sings  the  pilot  at  the  wbeeL 


These  clouds,  stonn-gray,  will  bom  away. 
The  wind  go  down  with  the  snn ; 

And  Dian  bright,  with  her  silver  light, 
Will  gild  our  sails  as  we  onward  ran. 

Already  in  lulls  we  hear  the  gulls, 

And  see  the  petrels  flitting  by ; 
And  He  whose  might  notes  swallows'  flight, 

Will  give  us  at  length  a  tranquil  sky, 

And  wind  as  fair  as  stirred  the  air, 
With  waves  that  dance,  as  when 

Columbus  left  the  Indian  isles. 
And  steered  bis  shallop  back  to  Spain  1 


144 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


THE   TWO   TRYSTS. 


A  hillside  stretching  seaward,  ripples  of  shin- 
ing blue, 

And  tide-waifed  strand  of  rifted  sand  inclined 
between  the  two. 

On  ebb  of  the  waves,  slow  rocMng,  impatient 
at  long  delay, 

The  white-winged  boat,  with  pennon  afloat, 
tosses  her  shadow  in  play. 

A  cot  with  its  blossoming  tree;  lover  and  fair- 
haired  maid, 

Standing  alone  by  the  threshold  stone,  holding 
their  tryst  in  the  shade. 
Hope  and  joy,  with  a  twofold  power. 
Bind  heart  to  heart  in  the  twilight  boor. 


A  hlliside  stretching  seaward^  and  tide-watfed 

sanded  shore, 
But  white-winged  boat  with   pennon   afloat 

plays  with  its  shadow  no  more. 
Feet  grown  weary  with  waiting,  eyes  watch> 

ing  over  the  sea, 
And  life's  sweet  dream  of  golden  and  sheen 

rest  'neath  the  blossoming  tree. 
A  dirge  from  the  moaning  waves,  tears  fh)m 

the  twilight  dew, 
And  hands  of  love,  beyond  and  above,  ara 

pledging  their  tryst  anew. 
Hope  and  joy,  no  longer  at  strife. 
Bind  soul  to  soul  in  (hat  better  life. 


THE  LOSS  OP  THE  SCH.  JAMES  S.  AYER. 

BT   HENBT   A.    KENDALL. 


I  see  her  mainsail  in  the  sun 

Gleam  bright  as  any  swallow's  wing. 
As  ready  to  fly  when  all  is  done  — 

I  hear  the  hardy  fishers  sing; 

Out  round  the  Point,  and  past  the  light 
That  guards  the  ramparts  of  the  Bay; 

Still  sailing  on  through  all  the  night. 
And  on  and  on  from  day  to  day; 

But  never  to  return,  O  ship  I 

Thou  bearcst  a  dead  crew, 
With  faces  white  and  drowning  lip. 

And  eyes  upstaring  to  the  blue; 


And  costly  freight  of  mothers'  tears, 
But,  more  than  all,  those  dead  men's  lives, 

With  all  the  promise  of  long  years, 
And  prayers  of  widowed  wives. 

Yet  know  we  not;  white  sails  she  spread, 
Was  spoken  once,  and  evermore 

Their  children  listened  for  the  tread 
Of  those  who  kissed  them  at  the  door. 

And  bade  them  watch  their  coming  back, 
And  kissed  them  sweetly,  one  by  one. 

Then  sailed  away  to  death  and  wrack,  — 
Thy  will,  O  God,  thy  waves  have  done  I 


nSIIEIUlEN'S    MEMORIAL  AND  BEOOHD  DOOK. 


145 


A   WAIF. 


BT  n.   C.   L.   HASKELL. 


The  antnmn  day 

Eicb  in  iU  regal  bcanty  lay 

Over  headland  and  beach  and  sea. 

And  the  voice  of  the  waves  sang  dreamily 

A  sweet,  low  talc  to  the  listening  car; 

A  tale,  as  if  never  a  breath  of  fear, 

Or  shadow  of  sorrow,  conld  cload  the  bine, 

Or  darken  the  sunlight  glinting  through 

The  mellow  air.    It  was  fair,  I  ween, 

That  autumn  sunlight,  that  harbor  scene, 

As  over  the  waves,  that  golden  day, 

A  trim  bark  sailed  on  Its  voyage  away. 

Gloucester  town 

Lies  where  the  winter  sunbeams  down 
On  its  roofs  and  spires  are  shining  bright, 
On  the  tall  masts  showing  slim  and  bare, 


On  Stago  nead  Battery,  and  where 

Gleams  the  tower  of  Ten  Pound  Island  light: 

But  never  again  to  Gloucester  town. 

Around  the  Point  and  up  to  the  town 

Will  the  good  bark  glide,  that  sailed  away 

In  the  dreamy  hush  of  that  autumn  day. 

There  're  those  who'll  waitand  watch  and  weep, 

And  gaze  afar  o'er  the  heaving  deep. 

And  wish  for  the  loved  to  come  once  more  — 

For  the  bark  to  sail  for  Cape  Ann's  shore. 

Ah  I  none  may  know  In  the  sea-girt  town 
Dow  or  when  that  staunch  bark  went  down 
For  those  who  within  her  sailed  the  main 
Never  will  come  to  port  again. 
Father  of  goudness  and  mercy  be 
With  those  who  mourn  for  the  lost  at  seat 


146 


fishermen's   MEMOKIAL  AND  KECORD  BOOK. 


NOT    LOST,    BUT   GONE    BEFORE. 

BY  MRS.    MART  A.    SHELTON. 

Rc!>pectfully -inscribed  to  the  friends  of  the  lost  fishermen. 


Not  lost,  ah  1  uo ;  ouly  gone  on  before, 

They  are  anchored  safe  on  the  shining  shore ; 

The  souls  ye  loved  left  the  vessel's  deck, 

As  ocean  folded  the  sinking  wreck, 

And  white-robed  angels  led  the  way 

To  the  fadeless  realms  of  eternal  day. 

In  lonely  caves,  'neath  the  surging  deep. 
The  forms  ye  loved  lie  in  dreamless  sleep, 
The  ocean  waves  chanting  as  they  flow, 
A  mournful  requiem  soft  and  low, 
Seeming  to  say,  "  O  fishers,  for  thee 
Do  we  chant  this  solemn  melody." 


There's  a  sable  cloud  o'er  the  fisher's  home, 
A  longing  for  those  that  can  never  come; 
Watching  and  waiting,  alas,  how  vain. 
For  steps  they  never  will  hear  again ! 
O  God !  thou  alone  canst  give  relief 
To  these  stricken  souls  in  their  bitter  grief. 

Fold  them,  O  God,  in  thine  arms  of  love; 
Point  them  to  that  beautiful  world  above, 
Where  'mid  a  bright-robed  angel  band. 
Their  loved,  not  lost,  in  glory  stand ; 
May  they  mourn  no  more  for  the  souls  at  rest. 
For  their  Father  called,  and  he  knew  best. 


fishebmen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


147 


WAITING,   ANXIOUS   WAITING  I 

DT   R.    C.    CALDBB. 


There  is  waiting,  anxious  waiting,  for  the 
flahonnno'i  rctaming, 
And  tho  angry  wind*  are  blowing,  aa  the 
billows  loudly  roar; 
There's  a  b«acon  in  tho  window,  and  a  cheerAil 
fire  Is  burning, 
To  guide  the  storm-tossed  mariner  in  safety 
to  the  shore. 

There   is  waiting,  on   the   deck,  where  the 
flshcrmcn  are  standing, 
And  fervent  prayers  are  offbred  that  the 
storm  may  soon  be  o'er ; 
All  the  aatla  are  torn  to  ribands,   and  the 
cables  now  aro  stranding,  — 
O  Godl  have  mercy  on  them  I   they  are 
drifting  on  the  shore ! 


There  Is  waiting,  anxiona  waiting,  for  the  tl- 
dings  of  the  missing — 
And  tearful  eyea  are  looking  in  sadness  to 
the  shore; 
And  tho  mother's  heart  Is  aching,  aa  the  child 
she's  fondly  klaaiog. 
Whispers  softly  ftrom  iu  cradle,     "  Will 
papa  come  no  more?  " 

There  is  waiting,  anxious  waiting,  and  the 
days  and  wcekii  are  flying, 
Yet  no  coming  of  the  missing  ever  glads  the 
watcher's  eyes ; 
And  the  waves  for  aye  are  surging,  with  a 
wild  and  mournful  sighing. 
Where  in  dreamless  roat.  the   fisher  with 
his  shattered  vessel  Ilea. 


AFTER    THE    GALE   OF   1862. 


[The  following  linos  were  suggested  upon  hearing  tho  wives  and  relatives  of  those  on 
board  the  missing  vessels  of  the  Georges  fleet  making  inquiries  of  a  returned  Qeorgesman.] 


'^Seaman  I  where  art  thou  fh>m  7 
Art  thou  from  Georges'  tide  ? 
And  win  ihose  others  come  ? 
Do  they  in  safety  ride? 

"  Didst  thou  my  husband  see? 
And  was  my  brother  there? 
And  my  son,  will  ho  come  back  to  me, 
With  his  locks  of  shining  hair? 

"  At  home  my  children  weep ; 
Now  tell  mc,  seaman  true. 
Oh,  doth  their  father  sleep 
Beneath  the  waters  blue  ?  " 

"  Woman,  the  night  was  dark, 
The  sea  too  much  to  brave ; 
I  fear  thy  husband's  bark 
Hath  sunk  beneath  the  wave. 

"  And  your  brother,  too,  wos  there, 
Tossed  by  the  treacherous  main; 
And  he  with  the  shining  hair 
Shall  ne'er  return  again. 


"  Children,  your  father  sleeps. 
Beneath  the  waters  blue; 
But  God  his  promise  keeps. — 
lie  will  take  core  of  you. 

<•  Of  children  once  he  said, 
'  Sufi'er  them  to  come  to  me ; ' 
Is  not  the  raven  fed 
By  his  boundless  charity  ? 

"  I'll  tell  thee  more  to-morrow; 
The  tears  come  to  my  eyes. 
Go  home  and  calm  your  sorrow 
By  prayers  to  Him  on  high. 

<■  Hath  not  the  Saviour  told  thee 
To  come  In  thy  distress  ? 
In  bis  arms  he  will  enfold  ye, 
The  '  widow  and  fatherless. 

"  And  all  with  sorrow  laden, 
Kay  come  to  him  in  prayer. 
And  Joys  that  arc  unfading 
With  them  fh>m  heaven  hell  shara.* 


148 


fishersien's  memorial  and  eecoed  book. 


COD    BLESS  THE    FISHERMEN. 


God  blesB  the  fishermen  I  God  be  their  guide, 
And  pilot  them  safely  o'er  the  dark  rolling  tide ; 
Calm  the  fierce  winds  and  still  the  deep  sea; 
Watch  them  and  guard  them  where'er  they 

maybe; 
For  their  life  is  at  best  a  perilous  one 
And  the  little  they  gain,  how  dearly  'tis  won  I 

Around  them  wild  dashes  the  white  seething 

foam; 
Yet  they  cheerfully  toil  for  the  dear  ones  at 

home. 
Oh,  scorn  not  the  fishermen,  greet  them  with 

love, 
And  ask  for  their  welfare  a  boon  from  above. 
Their  lot  is  a  hard  one ;  their  home's  on  the 

wave, 
And  oft  'neath  the  sea  they  find  a  grave. 

Love  them  sincerely,  be  to  them  kind; 
Their  friendship's  the  truest  you  ever  can  find. 
Oh,  once  the  sad  heart,  now  a  desolate  fane. 
Was  Written  all  over  with  a  fisherman's  name. 


You  ask  why  I  love  them ;  —  I'll  tell  you  why, 
Although  it  shall  wring  from  me  many  a  sigh. 

Alas,  it  gives  me  a  keen,  bitter  pain 

To  speak  of  the  lost  one  I'll  ne'er  meet  again ; 

Oh  I  the  loved  one^  the  lost  one,  where  is  ho 

now? 
The  cold  sea  is  laving  his  manly  brow; 
For  he  sleeps  in  old  ocean,  his  grave 's  in  the 

tide; 
He  went  to  his  death  in  the  lost  "  Neptune's 

Bride." 

And  since  that  sad  night,  my  heart's  fervent 

prayer 
Goes  up  for  the  fishermen  everywhere. 
God  save  the  fishermen  I  may  he  be  their  guide, 
And  pilot  them  safely  o'er  the  dark  rolling 

tide. 
Oh  I  calm  the  fierce  winds,  and  still  the  deep 

sea; 
Watch  them  and  guard  them,  where'er  they 

may  be. 


IN     SIGHT    OF     HOME. 


BT  MBS.    SUSIE   MERCHANT. 


Roll  on,  O  ocean  1  tell  the  same  sad  story 
Of  fond  hearts  crushed  by  thy  resistless  flow ; 

Of  all  the  hopes  deep  buried  'neath  thy  waters 
We  ne'er  in  time,  can  ever,  ever  know. 

Tell  of  the  night,  when  dark  and  dreary, 
And  tempests  raged  upon  the  waters  deep; 

Tell  to  the  loved  one  sadly  waiting— 
And  having  lost  all  hope,  can  only  weep. 


Tell,  when  the  tempest  at  its  highest, 
"  With  no  eye  to  pity  and  no  arm  to  save, " 

The  one  her  heart  has  ever  held  as  dearest, 
Found  'neath  thy  troubled  waves  his  ocean 
grave. 

Tell  how  the  last  prayer  that  he  offered 
Was,  "  Father,  keep  my  wife  and  little  one; 

Oh,  may  she  know  how  tenderly  I  loved  her 
And  that  I  died  when  just  in  sight  of  home ! " 


FISUERMEXS    MEMORIAL  AKD  BECOUD  BOOK. 


149 


^^^yy 


A  Musical  Fisherman.  —  His  First  Violin.  —  Early 
Struggles.  — His  Cruise  in  the  "Eival."  — Ship- 
wrecked Yankee  Fishermen  Giving  Concerts  in  the 
Provinces. 

Professor  John  Jay  "Watson,  now  President  of  the  National 
American  University  of  Music,  and  other  Liberal  Arts,  in  New  York 
City,  began  life  as  a  fisher-lad,  and  followed  the  business  several 
years.  lie  commenced  fishing  at  the  early  age  of  eight,  and  at  four- 
teen his  brother  Robert  offered  him  a  full  shai-e  if  he  would  go  with 


150  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

him  in  the  schooner  Garland.  From  his  early  youth  he  was  passion- 
ately fond  of  music,  and  was  never  so  happy  as  when  listening  to 
the  songs  which  flowed  so  sweetly  from  the  lips  of  his  mother,  who 
possessed  a  voice  of  great  purity.  His  father  was  also  a  good  singer ; 
and  it  may  be  safely  asserted  that  John  inherited  his  rare  musical 
talents  from  both  parents.  Another  great  pleasure  was  afforded  the 
lad,  in  listening  to  the  impromptu  playing  upon  the  violin  by  the 
fishermen.  He  would  stand  spell-bound  as  it  were,  completely 
oblivious  to  all  surroundings ;  his  soul  revelling  in  the  enjoyments 
which  the  merry  strains  afforded,  and  his  face  all  aglow  with  enthu- 
siastic admiration ;  his  feet  and  hands  keeping  time,  and  his  body 
swinging  to  and  fro  in  the  ecstasy  of  boyish  delight. 

On  board  the  Garland  was  a  very  kind-hearted  fisherman,  Mr. 
Joseph  Wonson,  of  East  Gloucester.  He  possessed  a  violin  —  fiddle, 
the  fisherman  called  it ;  and  during  the  evening  hours,  after  the  day's 
catch  were  dressed  and  taken  care  of,  he  would  play  a  few  simple 
airs.  This  was  heaven  itself  to  the  music-loving  John,  and  that  was 
a  happy  moment,  indeed,  when  Mr.  Wonson  told  him  that  he  might 
try  and  see  if  he  could  play.  How  the  lad  labored,  and,  with  trifling 
assistance  from  Mr.  Wonson,  he  soon  learned  the  simple  tune  of 
"Auld  Lang  Syne;"  then  followed,  "Haste  thee  Winter,  Haste 
Away."  Mr.  Watson  informs  us  that  among  the  many  successes  of 
his  musical  career,  none  ever  afforded  him  so  much  real,  unalloyed 
pleasure,  as  the  fact  that  he  could  really  play  these  tunes. 

During  the  trip  John  improved  every  opportunity  for  playing ;  and 
the  owner  of  the  fiddle  agreed  to  sell  it  to  him,  bow  and  all,  for  one 
dollar.  The  trip  turned  out  poorly,  and  John,  whose  finances  were 
low,  could  not  purchase  the  much-coveted  instrument.  When  return- 
ing to  port  he  left  the  Garland,  and  shipped  in  the  Helen,  which  was 
owned  and  commanded  by  his  father.  The  first  day  out  they  came 
across  a  large  school  of  haddock,  and  John  hauled  them  in  so  fast 
and  worked  so  perseveringly  as  to  win  frequent  encomiums  from  his 
father,  who  predicted  that  the  boy  would  make  one  of  the  smartest 
skippers  in  the  fleet.  The  veteran,  however,  was  not  aware  of  the 
cause  of  John's  applying  himself  so  energetically.  The  boy  did, 
however,  for  there  was  constantly  appearing  before  his  eyes  that 
violin.  The  sales  of  his  fish  would  give  him  money  to  purchase  it. 
They  got  a  good  trip,  and  his  father  very  willingly  advanced  his  son 
some  money  on  account.  With  nimble  feet  he  made  his  way  to  East 
Gloucester,  found  Mr.  Wonson,  and  came  back  with  the  violin  under 
his  arm. 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  151 

Then  commenced  the  trials  and  vexations  which  always  accompany 
the  struggles  of  genius.  An  old  fiddler,  named  John  Chandler,  gave 
bim  lessons,  and  every  spare  moment  was  devoted  to  practice.  He 
got  consent  to  stay  at  home  one  trip,  and  his  time  was  mostly  spent 
sawing  away  with  his  bow  in  his  father's  barn  ;  and  on  Wednesday  and 
Saturday  afternoons,  followed  by  a  score  or  more  of  admiring  compan- 
ions, he  would  stroll  up  into  "  Judy  Millet's  parlor,"  or  in  "  Stacy's 
Pines,"  where  he  would  give  free  concerts.  When  he  went  on  his 
next  fishing-trip,  it  was  with  the  express  understanding  that  he 
should  carry  his  violin  and  play  when  there  was  no  work  to  do. 
Many  a  fisherman  who  reads  this  will  well  remember  how  nicely 
Watson  could  play  those  popular  airs,  "  Roll  on.  Silver  Moon," 
"  Dearest  May,"  and  ''  O  Susannah."  Then  those  charming  little 
waltzes  which  followed.  We've  heard  them  all,  time  ai^d  again,  and 
can  very  readily  recall  the  peculiar  flourish  with  which  John,  even 
in  those  days,  handled  his  bow. 

'  In  1850,  his  health,  which  had  been  impaired  by  a  long  fit  of  sick- 
ness, rendered  it  necessary  for  him  to  take  a  fishing  cruis6.  He 
shipped  with  Captain  David  Brown,  and,  while  lying  in  N.  E.  Har- 
bor, Mt.  Desert,  during  a  storm,  availed  himself  of  a  few  hours  of 
fair  weather  to  give  the  fishermen,  who  were  lying  there  together,  a 
little  music.  Ho  had,  during  the  previous  winter,  taken  lessons  of 
Prof.  FenoUossa,  at  Salem,  and  made  the  most  rapid  progress.  He 
now  played  some  of  the  most  difficult  airs,  and  gave  his  listeners  a 
touch  of  all  kinds,  from  the  simple  to  the  more  artistic  productions. 

After  he  had  concluded  his  playing,  a  boat  put  off  from  one  of  the 
vessels,  and  there  came  on  board  Capt.  O.  R.  Gross,  master  and 
owner  of  schooner  Rivals  of  Truro.  He  introduced  himself  to  Capt. 
Brown,  and  inquired  who  it  was  who  had  shown  such  proficiency  in 
playing  on  the  violin. 

"  There's  the  young  man,"  replied  Capt.  B. 

We  will  give  the  account  of  this  first  interview  in  Capt.  Gross's 
own  language :  — 

"  I  looked  toward  the  companion-way,  and  there  sat  a  young  man, 
as  pale  as  a  ghost,  his  form  emaciated  to  a  painful  degree,  the 
results,  as  I  afterwards  learned,  of  his  sickness.  On  his  head  was 
an  old  tarpaulin  hat,  and  his  whole  make-up  was  rather  unattractive. 
As  soon  as  I  shook  his  hand  and  heard  him  talk  about  music,  his 
appeai-ance  was  forgotten.  All  that  I  knew,  saw  or  cared  for  was 
the  man,  and  not  his  apparel.  We  talked  of  music,  and  Watson 
charmed  me  with  his  enthusiasm.     At  my  request,  he  took  up  his 


152  fishermen's  jiemoriaIj  and  record  book. 

violin  and  repeated  some  of  the  airs  which  had  before  impressed  me, 
and  I  knew  at  once  that  he  was  a  born  musician.  I  made  him 
promise  that  he  would  come  on  board  my  vessel,  and  stay  there  until 
the  storm  was  over.  It  lasted  several  days,  and  proved  a -season  of 
exquisite  enjoyment  to  us  both.  I  also  made  him  promise  to  go  with 
me  in  the  Rival,  the  next  year,  as  first  hand." 

The  season  of  1851  found  "Watson  on  board  the  Rival.  They 
made  successful  trips  off  shore,  and  in  September  went  to  the  Bay 
of  St.  Lawrence.  They  had  a  musical  crew  throughout,  consisting  of 
Capt.  O.  R.  Gross,  violinist,  tamborinist,  violincelllst,  flutist,  singist 
and  pianist ;  John  Jay  Watson,  violinist,  guitarist,  pianist,  singist, 
etc. ;  Hiram  S.  BuflSngton,  violincellist  and  dancist ;  Adrian  Lufkin, 
violinist  and  singist ;  George  Urquhart,  violinist ;  the  black  cook 
also  manifested  a  musical  taste,  but  as  some  one  greased  his  fiddle-bow, 
the  first  night  out,  it  was  never  known  what  his  special  acquirements 
were.  He  took  the  insult  so  much  to  heart  that  he  left  the  vessel 
the  first"  opportunity  which  presented  itself. 

All  went  well  with  the  Eival,  and  her  merry-hearted  crew.  They 
had  obtained  almost  a  fare  of  mackerel,  when  the  fearful  gale  of  Oct. 
3d  came  on,  and,  after  a  very  narrow  escape  from  foundering,  in 
which  all  hands  would  have  found  a  watery  grave,  she  was  driven 
ashore  at  Cascumpec,  Prince  Edward  Island,  where  they  landed,  tak- 
ing the  precaution  to  save  their  instruments.  Here  they  were 
received  by  Patrick  Cahill,  a  kind-hearted  farmer,  and  that  evening 
they  gave  a  musical  entertainment  at  his  residence,  the  like  of  which 
had  never  before  occurred  in  that  locality.  All  but  Watson  and 
Gross  took  passage  home  in  other  vessels.  These  two,  however,  had 
conceived  the  idea  of  bettering  their  financial  condition  by  a  concert 
tour.  Capt.  Gross  was  engaged  to  play  thfe  organ  one  Sunday  in 
one  of  the  little  towns,  and  Watson  pushed  on  to  Charlotte  town, 
where  he  scattered  the  programmes  and  put  up  posters,  announcing 
that  Professors  Gross  and  Watson,  the  celebrated  violinists  and  vo- 
calists, would  give  one  of  their  unique  entertainments,  etc.  When 
Gross  came  up  on  Monday  morning,  he  was  astonished  to  see  the 
barns  and  fences  for  miles  outside  the  town  covered  with  these 
posters.  He  concluded  that  Watson  had  some  business  tact  in  him, 
and  was  not  mistaken.  The  concert  passed  off  most  successfully. 
There  was  a  crowded  house,  comprising  the  elite  of  the  town,  and 
the  audience  were  delighted. 

The  programme  was  a  most  varied  one,  comprising  gems  from 
Mozart  and  Beethoven,  together  with  Yankee  Doodle,  Hail  Columbia, 


fishermen's  memorial  axd  record  book.  153 

and  comic  sougs,  ad  libitum.  It  was  repeated  with  like  success. 
Then  they  pushed  on  to  St.  John,  thence  to  Portland,  where  crowded 
houses  greeted  them.  The  last  concert  was  given  in  Gloucester, 
Watson's  birthplace.  It  was  a  buuipcr,  and  the  towns-people  knew 
and  recognized  the  talent  which  ho  manifested. 

Since  then  Prof.  "Watson  has  passed  three  seasons  in  Europe,  where 
he  has  had  the  benefit  of  the  best  masters.  Ole  Bull  sought  him 
out,  and  ho  accepted  an  invitation  to  spend  the  summer  at  his  home 
in  Norway.  This  distinguished  violinist  testified  his  appreciation  of 
Watson's  talents,  by  presenting  him  with  one  of  his  most  valued 
instruments.  The  boy  who  gained  his  first  instruction  on  Iward  a 
fishing-schooner,  and  rejoiced  in  the  possession  of  a  one-dollar 
violin,  has  risen,  step  by  step,  until  to-day  he  occupies  a  prominent 
position  among  the  musical  celebrities  of  tho  country.  May  he  con- 
tinue to  prosper  is  our  wish,  as  well  as  that  of  the  fishermen  from 
whose  rank  he  is  proud  to  state  he  sprang,  and  among  whom  he 
acknowledges  to-day  some  of  his  most  steadfast  friends. 


Loss  of  the  Schooner  *' Neptune's  Bride."— Two  of 
the  Orew  saved.— Eighteen  hours  on  the  Mast- 
Head.  —  A  Perilous  Passage. 

Schooner  "  Neptune's  Bride,"  as  will  be  seen  by  the  record,  went 
ashore  at  Malcomb's  Ledge,  Me.,  on  the  evening  of  September  22d, 
1860.  Twelve  out  of  the  fourteen  of  her  crew  met  a  watery  grave. 
The  foUowing.are  the  full  particulars  of  that  night  of  peril :  — 

The  vessel  struck  the  ledge  at  a  little  past  nine  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing. It  was  quite  fogg}'^,  accompanied  with  rain,  and  the  men  had 
all  turned  in  except  the  watch  on  deck.  She  was  jogging  under  a 
foresail,  and,  as  soon  as  she  struck,  the  men  below  rushed  on  deck, 
and  made  for  the  boat.  Mr.  Marsh,  and  George  Norwood,  seeing 
that  the  boat  was  full,  concluded  to  take  their  chances  on  the  vessel. 
The  boat  was  soon  swaraped  by  the  heavy  sea,  and  the  men  took 
refuge  on  the  ledge.  The  two  on  the  vessel  could  distinctly  hear  them 
conversing,  and  they  asked  for  a  rope,  as  the  ledge  was  a  sunken  one, 
over  which  the  tide  rose,  and  they  wished  to  regain  the  vessel.  Two 
attempts  were  made  to  get  a  rope  to  them,  both  pro\nng  unsuccessful. 


154  fishermen's  memoeial  and  eecoed  book. 

They  then  asked  for  some  clothing ;  but  the  vessel  was  full  of  water, 
and  none  could  be  obtained.  The  schooner  had  now  heeled  over, 
and  it  was  feared  that  she  would  capsize ;  but  she  remained  in  posi- 
tion. The  tide  was  rising,  with  a  heavy  sea  running,  rendering  it 
imperative  for  the  men  on  board  to  go  aloft,  if  they  wished  to  save 
their  lives.  They  crawled  out  on  the  bowsprit,  and,  while  attempt- 
ing to  climb  up  the  jib-stay,  were  washed  off  three  times ;  but  finally, 
after  much  toil,  climbed  up  to  the  foremast-head,  nearly  exhausted 
with  their  struggle  with  the  breakers.  Here  they  clung,  and  while 
holding  on  in  the  darkness,  heard  the  men  on  the  ledge  talking  of 
their  chances  for  life,  and  earnestly  wishing  that  they  could  only  get 
on  board  the  vessel. 

Slowly  crept  the  moments,  and  the  tide  rolling  in  with  each  heav- 
ing billow.  They  heard  their  shipmates,  as  they  moved  as  far  up  out 
of  the  reach  of  the  greedy  waters  as  possible,  and,  during  the  next 
hour,  could  not  avoid  hearing  their  struggles,  as  the  sea  rose,  crested 
with  raging  foam,  and  claimed  one  after  the  other  as  its  victim.  Then 
the  vessel's  bow  settled,  bringing  the  two  men  up  to  their  chins  in  wa- 
ter, as  they  stood  on  the  foremast  cross-trees.  Norwood  was  dis- 
couraged at  the  cheerless  prospect,  and  determined  to  swim  for  it,  and 
left  his  position,  hoping  to  gain  the  shore ;  but  the  sea  was  too  much 
for  him,  and  bidding  his  companion  farewell,  with  the  words,  "  O 
my  God  !  "  upon  his  lips,  sank  beneath  the  waters. 

As  soon  ac  Norwood  left,  Marsh  determined  on  one  more  struggle 
for  life,  and,  climbing  up  the  foremast  head,  grasped  the  top-raast- 
stay  and  walking  as  far  as  he  could  on  the  spring-stay,  pulled  himself 
up,  hand  over  hand,  to  the  top-mast  head,  where  he  sat  down  and 
rested  himself.  His  thoughts  were  of  home,  of  his  wife  and  child. 
An  ardent  desire  to  see  them  once  more  seemed  to  thrill  his  whole 
being,  inspiring  him  with  fresh  courage.  For  their  sake  he  deter- 
mined not  to  succumb.  The  tide  followed  him  and  had  now  reached 
his  feet,  then  up  to  his  waist  the  waters  came.  There  was  so  much 
comfort  in  sitting  down,  and  he  was  so  fatigued !  But  no !  he  must 
stand  up  if  he  wished  to  save  his  life,  and  so  once  more  he  stood  up. 
To  add  to  his  discomfort,  the  rain  came  down,  accompanied  with  thun- 
der and  lightning,  and  there,  amid  the  darkness  and  the  storm,  he 
clung  to  the  top-mast,  hoping  and  praying  for  the  dawn,  and  for  the 
turning  of  the  tide.  He  had  suffered  much  from  thirst ;  this  he 
quenched  from  the  rain-drops  which  wet  his  hair.  He  was  in  his 
stocking-feet,  and  suffered  much  from  the  cramped  position  in  which 


fishermen's    SfEMORIAL  AND  RECORD  BOOK.  155 

be  stood.    One  foot  was  ra^7  where  it  had  chafed  against  the  spring- 
stay,  and  pained  him  severely. 

It  was  now,  as  near  as  lie  could  Judge,  about  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  he  was  in  hopes  that  the  tide  was  at  the  flood.  Ho 
drew  himself  up,  resting  bis  chin  on  the  color-truck.  This  was  all  he 
could  do,  and  he  patiently  waited.  The  love  of  life  was  strong  in 
the  young  man's  heart,  and  ho  prayed  that  God  would  save  him. 
Then  he  clung  hold  of  the  top-mast,  and  for  a  little  time  lost  con- 
sciousness. When  be  came  to,  the  dawn  was  breaking  through  the 
fog,  and  with  joy  unspeakable  he  saw  that  the  water  had  gone  down. 
He  could  see  the  top  of  the  ledge  peep  out,  from  which  his  companions 
had  met  their  dcatli ;  and  now,  so  far  as  ho  knew,  he  was  the  only 
survivor  of  them  all.  All  day  long  he  remained  on  the  top-mast. 
The  hours  dragged, — oh,  so  slowly  ! — filled  with  suspense,  hope,  doubt, 
and  sometimes  despair.  The  tide  turned,  and  slowly  it  crept  toward 
him.  The  minutes  now  seemed  hours ;  and  yd  no  succor  came. 
The  water  had  crept  up  to  his  knees,  and  the  prospect  of  another 
night  on  the  wreck,  together  with  the  terrible  experience  and  expos- 
ure of  the  past  eighteen  hours,  were  too  much.  Ho  became  delirious, 
and  imagined  that  he  was  oh  board  the  schooner,  beating  up  Portland 
harbor. 

He  was  saved  by  the  merest  accident,  if  we  may  call  such  events 
accidents.  Two  fishermen  were  mending  their  nets  on  Seal  Island. 
It  had  been  foggy  all  day,  and  at  five  in  the  afterfton,  when  it 
cleared  up,  they  saw  the  wreck,  and  one  insisted  that  there  was  a 
man  on  the  top-mast.  His  companion  endeavored  to  persuade  him 
that  it  was  all  imagination,  and  said  it  was  of  no  use  to  go.  But  the 
other,  convinced  that  he  was  right,  replied  that  he  would  go  alone  if 
his  companion  would  not  accompany  him.  Both  started,  and  what 
was  their  surprise,  upon  drawing  near,  to  see  this  poor  fellow  clinging 
to  the  top-mast,  but  utterly  unconscious,  raving  with  delirium,  and 
yet  holding  on,  his  body  submerged  in  water. 

They  rowed  their  boat  alongside,  then  lifted  him  tenderly,  and 
laid  him  down,  putting  their  clothing  over  him ;  then  he  tainted. 
Carrying  him  ashore,  to  their  little  fishing-hut,  they  put  him  to  bcil 
with  hot  stones  at  his  feet  and  back,  and  gave  him  strong  herb  drink 
dashed  with  a  little  liquor,  which  they  happened  to  have.  In  the 
morning  he  was  better,  and  as  soon  as  he  could  be  moved  he  was 
conveyed  to  Carver's  Harbor,  where  he  was  taken  to  the  hotel,  and 
received  the  best  attention ;  and  from  thence  came  home,  and  is  alive 
to-dav  to  tell  of  his  peril  that  night,  and  of  his  wonderful  escape. 


156  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

Henry  Johnson,  one  of  the  crew  who  took  to  the  boat,  was  also 
saved,  after  a  night  of  struggle  and  hardship.  While  his  shipmates 
sought  refuge  on  the  ledge,  after  the  boat  was  swamped,  he  found 
himself  alongside  of  her  and  crawled  in  over  the  stern- sheets.  She 
was  full  of  water,  but  fortunately  there  was  a  bucket  in  her,  and  a 
coil  of  rope.  With  the  former  he  commenced  bailing,  and  by  dint 
of  hard  labor  managed  to  free  her,  although  she  was  continually  tak- 
ing in  water.  A  hogshead  tub  from  the  vessel  had  drifted  across  the 
boat  amidships.  This  he  secured  with  his  rope,  and  that  made  the 
boat  ride  more  easily.  When  he  got  tired  of  bailing  the  boat  lie 
would  crawl  into  the  tub.  and  when  that  got  full  of  water  he  would 
commence  bailing  the  boat  again.  Two  jibbing-tubs  drifted  near  him. 
These  he  Secured  also,  and  making  them  fast  on  the  other  side  of  the 
boat,  the}^  helped  to  keep  her  afloat.  He  knew  not  whither  he  was 
drifting ;  but  was  thankful  that  he  was  going  away  from  the  ledge,  and 
so  utterlj'  exhausted  was  the  poor  fellow  that,  long  ere  daylight 
dawned,  he  fell  asleep.  He  could  not  keep  awake,  though  his  life 
might  depend  upon  it.  On  the  boat  drifted,  being  kept  afloat  by  her 
tubs,  and  Johnson  slept,  perfectly  oblivious  to  the  seas  which  threat- 
ened to  engulf  him.  ''  Tired  nature's  sweet  restorer,  balmy  sleep," 
had  possession  of  him,  and  on  the  boat  drifted.  At  noon-time,  a 
Belfast  schooner  sighted  the  craft,  bore  down  to  her,  and  her  single 
passenger  was  received  on  board  and  kindly  cared  for.  Thus,  out  of 
a  crew  of  foiafteen  two  alone  were  saved,  after  passing  through  hard- 
ships which  makes  one  shudder  to  contemplate. 


Leaves  from  the  LOg-Book  of  Oapt.  James  Pattillo. 

how  he  served  a  dominion  officer,  who  boarded  the  schooner 
Abigail. —  Puts  to  Sea  in  the  Teeth  of  a  Gale,  and  outsails 
THE  Cutter. — How  he  got  a  Load  of  Herring  for  Schooner 
Tiger. — A  Fearful  Time  on  Georges,  in  Schooner  Alexander. 

Capt.  James  Pattillo,  in  his  palmy  days,  was  considered  one  of  the 
smartest  skippers  that  ever  sailed  from  the  port  of  Gloucester.  When 
he  was  on  board  his  vessel,  he  was  the  master,  in  every  sense  of  that 
term ;  and  if  there  were  any  fish  to  be  got,  he  was  the  man  to  get 
them.  For  several  years  he  has  retired  from  the  water,  and  on  his 
snug  farm,  at  North  Stoughton,  is  passing  the  evening  of  his  life  in  a 


FISnERMEN'S  MEMOBIAL  AND  BEOORD  BOOK.  157 

quiet  manner,  enjoying  himself,  nftcr  his  many  years  of  battling  tbo 
elements  on  the  deck  of  a  fishing  craft.  Now  and  then  the  captain 
comes  to  Gloucester.  He  must  have  a  look  at  the  harbor,  and  a 
snuff  of  the  sea-breeze,  enjoy  a  cruise  around  the  wharves,  and  a  talk 
with  his  old  companions.  It  was  on  one  of  these  recent  visits  that 
we  had  an  opportunity  of  interviewing  him,  and  obtained  the  follow- 
ing spicy  incidents,  which  form  an  interesting  chapter  in  the  "  Memo- 
rial and  Record  Book  "  :  — 

In  the  year  1841,  he  made  three  trips  to  the  bay,  one  for  herring, 
and  two  for  mackerel.  It  was  the  law  then  to  pay  fourpencc  a  ton, 
light-money,  each  trip.  On  the  third  trip,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Can- 
trill,  of  Guysboro',  N.  S.,  who  had  been  working  in  Lowell,  wished 
to  take  passage.  Her  father  had  recently  died,  and  the  girl,  in  re- 
sponse to  tlic  urgent  call  of  her  mother,  was  extremely  desirous  of 
getting  home,  where  she  could  comfort  her  widowed  parent,  and  do 
what  lay  within  her  power  for  the  benefit  of  the  family.  Now  it  was 
against  the  law,  in  those  times,  for  a  fishing  vessel  to  carry  passen- 
gers ;  but  the  kind-hearted  captain  could  not  resist  the  appeal  of  the 
daughter,  who  wished  to  get  home  that  she  might  assist  her  afilicted 
relatives  ;  so  he  consented  to  take  her  home.  This  he  did  on  his  own 
responsibility,  without  any  compensation,  save  the  satisfaction  which 
the  performance  of  a  good  deed,  in  this  world  of  ours,  affords.  Accord- 
ingly, she  came  on  board  ;  and  upon  the  vessel's  arriving  at  Canso, 
he  carried  her  ashore  in  the  boat.  The  vessel  did  not  come  to  anchor, 
and  while  he  was  landing  the  girl,  a  custom-house  officer,  named  Big- 
elow,  came  on  board,  and  put  the  king's  broad  "  R  "  on  the  mainmast, 
which  proclaimed  her  a  prize. 

When  Capt.  Pattillo  returned  on  board,  the  officer  informed  him  that 
he  had  seized  the  vessel,  for  landing  a  passenger  and  her  effects,  con- 
trary to  law. 

"  No.w,  then,"  he  says,  "  I  want  to  see  your  papers." 

The  vessel's  boat  was  hoisted  in,  and  Capt.  Pattillo  went  below  to 
get  his  papers,  and  returning  on  deck  with  the  documents,  asked  the 
oflScer  if  he  thought  himself  the  master  of  the  schooner. 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply. 

Shortly  after,  he  demanded  of  Capt.  Pattillo  the  light-money  j  but 
he  thought  if  tl)e  officer  was  really  in  command,  he  should  pay  the 
ligh^money  himself  ond  so  informed  him. 

Then  a  lucky  thought  struck  the  captain,  and  he  asks,  in  a  sten- 
torian voice,  "  By  what  authoritj'  he  was  on  board  the  schooner,  and 
where  were  his  documents  to  prove  that  he  was  a  revenue  officer?" 


158  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 

"  I  came  off  in  such  a  hurry  that  I  left  them  ashore,"  was  the  reply ; 
and  this  was  true,  as  he  had  nothing  to  show. 

"  You  base  impostor !  "  roars  the  captain  ;  "  go  ashore,  you  vaga- 
bond, as  quick  as  possible." 

But  the  officer  was  not  going  to  give  it  up  so  quickly ;  so  he 
ordered  the  helm  hard  down. 

,01d  John  Parsons  had  the  tiller,  and  he  was  so  excited  that  he 
obeyed  the  order.  Then  Capt.  Pattillo  began  to  bristle  up  and  sang 
out,  "  So  long  as  I  am  on  board  this  craft,  Uncle  John,  I  am 
master ;  now,  then,  hard  up  the  helm  ! "  This  order  was  obeyed  just 
in  time  to  save  the  vessel  from  going  ashore  on  Paint's  Island. 

Then  followed  a  war  of  words  between  the  pair,  in  which  skipper 
Pattillo  was  called  a  smuggler  and  other  hard  names ;  to  which  he 
replied,  that  all  the  crime  he  was  guilty  of,  if  crime  it  was,  was 
bringing  home  a  poor,  fatherless  girl,  for  which  he  asked  no  compen- 
sation ;  but  right  or  wrong  she  was  safe  at  home.  Just  then  a  little 
cutter  made  her  appearance,  and  the  exultant  Bigelow  said,  "  I  have 
you  now,  anyhow,  and  will  take  the  vessel  into  Great  Canso 
Harbor." 

"  You  can  go  where  you  like,  cutter  or  no  cutter,  but  the  vessel 
will  not  carry  the  pair  of  us,"  was  Capt.  Pattillo's  reply.  "  I'll 
heave  to  until  you  go  ashore  for  your  documents,  and  if  you  are  the 
right  man  to  receive  the  light-money,  I  will  pay  it ;  otherwise  not." 
Thus  they  disagreed  until  "  forbearance  ceased  to  be  a  virtue,"  when 
Capt.  Pattillo  made  a  spring  at  the  stout  official,  and  seizing  him  by 
the  throat  with  one  hand,  and  taking  him  by  the  slack  of  his  trowsers 
with  the  other,  lifted  him  over  his  head  as  though  he  was  an  infant, 
and  threw  him  into  the  boat  so  violently  that  he  broke  the  thwart 
when  he  struck ;  then,  casting  off  the  boat's  painter,  let  him  find  his 
way  ashore  as  best  he  might. 

But  the  end  was  not  j'^et.  He  made  complaint  against  the  master 
of  the  Abigail  for  smuggling ;  and  three  cutters,  commanded  re- 
spectively by  Capts.  Darby,  Marshall  and  Stevens,  were  sent  in 
pursuit,  with  orders  to  take  Pattillo,  dead  or  alive  1 

Meantime  skipper  Pattillo  pursued  the  even  tenor  of  his  way, 
and  caught  seventy  barrels  of  mackerel.  He  had  heard  that  they 
were  after  him,  and  had  armed  himself  with  two  great  rocks,  weigh- 
ing one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  each,  to  throw  into  and  sink  any 
boats  which  should  attempt  to  board  his  vessel.    ' 

On  the  third  of  October  there  arose  a  fearful  gale,  and  in  the 
afternoon  Capt.  Pattillo  run  into  Port  Hood,  and  came  to  anchor 


fishermek's  memorial  and  record  nooK.  159 

with  the  rest  of  the  fleet.  Soon  after,  the  cutter  under  the  command 
of  Capt.  Marshall  came  in,  and  a  l)oat  containing  eight  men,  ftilly 
armed  and  equipped,  was  sent  to  search  among  the  vessels,  to  see  if 
the  Abigail  and  the  big  "Pnttillo"  was  among  them.  Capt.  Pattillo 
saw  the  movements,  and  stood  by  his  large  rocks,  fhlly  determined  to 
drive  them  through  any  boat  who  dared  to  board  his  schooner. 
They  saw  him,  and,  considering  "  discretion  to  be  the  bettor  part  of 
valor,"  did  not  come  alongside. 

There  was  but  one  way  to  get  out  of  this  diflJculty,  and  that  was 
to  go  to  sea  in  the  teeth  of  the  gale.  To  remain  where  he  was 
would  result  in  his  being  captured ;  and  to  go  outside  was  running 
the  risk  of  getting  ashore.  But  the  plucky  captain  was  not  long  in 
making  up  his  mind.     He  gave  orders  to  get  under  way. 

Up  went  the  sails.  Skipper  John  Bnj-ley,  who  was  anchored  near, 
hove  his  .vessel  ahead  as  far  as  he  could  ;  and  Bon.  Laroque  paid  out 
his  cable  so  as  to  give  Pattillo  all  the  advantages  he  could  in  getting 
out.  All  was  excitement,  and  the  rigging  of  the  fishing  vessels  and 
all  along  the  shore  was  lined  with  spectators,  anxious  to  witness  the 
result. 

The  cutter  now  commenced  getting  under  way ;  bat  the  Yankee 
fishing-craft  had  the  lead,  and  passed  within  fifty  feet  of  the  cutter. 
A  ball  was  fired,  which  went  through  the  mainsail.  The  men  were 
ordered  below,  and  the  spunky  skipper  laid  down  flat  on  the  deck 
and  steered  his  craft.  The  next  ball  wont  through  her  side  and 
lodged  in  the  main-beam,  where  it  may  be  seen  to-day.  Eleven  shots 
were  fired  in  all,  five  of  which  struck  the  vessel,  and  six  came  short. 
One  struck  the  mainmast,  taking  off  a  glancing  piece  some  four  feet 
above  deck.  The  cutter  chased  her  six  miles ;  but  the  fishing-craft 
was  much  the  best  sailer,  and  the  gale  increasing  every  moment,  the 
cutter  gave  it  up  and  went  back,  feeling  rather  chopfallen. 

There  was  a  gay  time  that  night  in  the  harbor ;  all  the  American 
fishermen  took  their  boats,  and  improvising  a  band,  with  drum  and 
fife,  and  other  musical  instruments,  played  "Yankee  Doodle,"  rowing 
around  the  cutter. 

The  Abigail  lay  to  all  night,  right  in  the  very  worst  of  the  gale, 
under  balance-reefed  mainsail  and  two-reefed  foresail,  and  in  due 
course  of  time  arrived  safely  home.  Among  her  crew  now  alive  were 
Mr.  Daniel  Brown  and  Henry  Smith. 

In  the  5'ear  1837  or  '38,  (the  skipper  could  not  exactly'  recollect 
which,)  it  was  decided  by  Capt.  Giles,  who  owned  the  pinkey  Tiger, 
to  send  her  to  Fortune's  Bay,  Newfoundland,  for  a  load  of  herring. 


160  fisherinien's  memorial  and  eecoed  book. 

This  was  an  entirely  new  voyage,  and  skipper  Pattillo,  just  the  man  to 
undertake  it.  He  took  with  him  five  men  and  a  black  boy,  and  think- 
ing there  would  be  some  nice  game  in  those  regions,  carried  five 
muskets  and  two  kegs  of  powder.  They  started  on  tlie  28th  of 
November,  and  after  arriving  were  frozen  up.  Nothing  daunted  at 
this,  they  cut  holes  in  the  ice  and  succeeded  in  getting  a  load  of  her- 
ring, but  they  could  not  get  out.  There  they  were,  hard  and  fast, 
with  miles  of  ice  between  them  and  the  clear  water. 

According  to  the  old  treaty,  American  vessels  had  no  right  to 
catch  herring,  or  any  other  fish,  within  an  imaginary  three-mile  line 
from  the  shore ;  and  some  one  informed  a  Custom  House  officer 
named  Gayden,  that  a  Yankee  vessel  was  getting  herring,  and  he 
determined  to  seize  and  make  a  prize  of  her.  Now  it  so  happened 
that  the  Tiger  was  out  of  provisions,  and  the  Captain  sent  some  of 
the  crew  a  long  distance  ashore,  wheje  they  purchased  some  flour  and 
molasses.  Some  good  friend  of  the  Captain  wrote  him  a  letter  and 
despatched  it  by  one  of  the  crew,  in  which  he  stated  that  Gayden 
intended  to  take  the  vessel,  and  was  soon  coming  with  a  large  force. 

The  Captain  read  the  letter  and  then  informed  his  crew.  "  Now, 
boys,  we'll  see  about  this.  The  thing  can't  be  done !  What,  take 
the  Tiger?  Not  by  a  long  shot.  We'll  put  her  in  such  good  fighting 
trim  that  all  Newfoundland  couldn't  take  her  I " 

Then  they  went  to  work  and  built  four  barricades  of  double  logs, 
in  such  a  manner  that  they  swung  at  an  angle  of  forty-five,  command- 
ing a  complete  sweep  of  the  vessel,  bullet-proof,  and  affording  perfect 
shelter.  When  these  were  completed  he  swore  his  men  on  the  Bible, 
that  they  would  stick  to  him  until  the  end,  and  so  long  as  life  lasted, 
they  would  obey  his  orders  and  fight  for  the  old  Tiger. 

On  the  morning  of  March  11th,  five  boats  were  seen  coming  out- 
side the  ice,  between  Young's  Point  and  Folly  Cove  Head.  A  clear 
place  in  the  ice  had  been  cut  around  the  Tiger,  in  order  to  keep  the 
foe  at  a  respectful  distance  and  give  those  on  board  a  better  oppor- 
tunity to  fire. 

The  Captain  was  right  on  his  muscle  that  morning,  and  gave  orders 
to  load  the  muskets.  They  had  been  busy  the  day  previously  in 
running  balls  in  a  pistol-ball  mould,  and  fifteen  of  these  balls  were 
placed  in  each  cartridge.  One  keg  of  powder  was  placed  in  the  hold, 
with  a  train  attached,  and  the  black  boy  had  instructions  that,  at  a 
given  signal,  he  was  to  set  fire  to  it  and  blow  the  vessel  and  all  on 
board  into  atoms.  The  Tiger  was  not  to  be  given  up  under  any  cir- 
cumstances.   They  were  all  to  share  tlu;  fame  late,  and  they  knew 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  161 

the  Captain  was  Just  tho  man  to  carry  out  bis  plans.     He  would  not 
flinch  when  tho  pinch  came. 

The  boats  lanilcd  on  tho  borders  of  the  Ice,  some  distance  away. 
Captain  Pattillo  watclicd  them  througli  his  glass,  and  counted  thirty 
men,  all  armed  to  tlio  teeth.  Along  the  ice  they  marched,  and  reach- 
ing the  clear  place  where  tho  vessel  was  anchored,  hailed  lier,  wisliing 
to  sec  the  master,  and  have  hira  come  uslioro  on  the  ice  with  his 
papers.  It  so  happened  tliat  Captain  Pattillo  was  not  naturalized, 
and  had  used  the  name  of  Joseph  Cain,  as  master,  giving  Cain  bis 
name  for  the  time  being. 

After  some  little  parleying  Captain  Pattillo  informed  them  that  bis 
vessel  was  fully  armed  and  provisioned  to  stand  a  siege.  There  were 
five  muskets  now  covering  them,  containing  in  all  seventN'-flve  balls. 
*'  Now,  you  can't  take  this  vessel ;  and  I  propose  to  come  ashore  and 
decide  this  thing  b3'  a  fair  fight.  Pick  out  three  of  your  best  men, 
and  I'll  take  care  of  them ;  but  mind,  if  ye  play  me  foul,  there  won't 
be  one  of  ye  who  will  ever  see  home  again,  as  my  men  will  fire  when 
they  get  the  signal  from  me." 

Tlie  boat  was  got  ready,  and  the  captain,  dressed  in  nothing  but  a 
pair  of  duck  pants  and  slippers,  with  a  handspike  in  one  hand,  and 
the  vessel's  papers  in  the  other,  got  into  her.  John  Gorman,  one  of 
the  crew,  rowed  him  ashore,  and  immediately  returned  to  the  vessel. 
The  captain  marched  boldly  up  to  Gayden  ;  then  the  men  gathered 
around.  One  fellow  stood  with  pistol  cocked  over  Gayden's  shoulder, 
and  two  others  with  muskets  drawn  on  the  captain,  all  ready  to  fire. 
The  papers  were  asked  for,  and  handed  over  ;  then  Gayden  showed  his 
credentials  on  parchment,  also  the  silver  oar,  which  gave  him  author- 
ity to  board  vessels.  A  council  was  then  held,  and  under  the  circum- 
stances, (those  formidable  batteries,  and  the  loaded  muskets  behind 
them,)  it  was  decided  not  to  attempt  to  take  the  vessel,  or  capture  her 
captain.  But  the  oflScer  would  not  give  the  papers  up,  and  marched 
off  with  them. 

April  17lh,  tho  Tiger  was  released  from  the  ice,  and  went  to  Bru- 
net,  and  on  Sunday,  tho  captain,  taking  one  of  the  crew,  Ned  Caven- 
der,  rowed  in  an  open  boat  fifteen  miles  to  Harbor  Briton,  for  the 
purpose  of  calling  on  Gayden  and  getting  his  papers,  as  he  did  not 
like  the  idea  of  starting  for  home  without  them. 

His  arrival  created  a  great  excitement  in  the  village,  and  men  and 
boys  from  far  and  near  gathered  in  squads  to  see  the  Yankee  Captain, 
whose  fame  in  arming  his  vessel  had  been  wafted  far  and  near. 
Knocking  at  the  door  of  Gayden's  house,  a  servant  girl  came,  and  he 


162  fishersien's  memorial  and  record  book. 

asked  to  see  Mr.  Gayden,  who  she  said  was  at  home.  Then  a  little 
daughter  came,  and  finally  his  wife,  who  wished  to  know  if  she  could 
not  attend  to  his  demands. 

"  No,  marm,"  said  the  skipper,  "I  want  to  see  Gayden  himself.'* 

Finally  he  appeared,  with  a  cocked  pistol  in  his  hand,  trembling 
like  an  aspen  leaf.  He  was  so  much  agitated  that  he  could  not  have 
held  his  hand  steady  enough  to  have  hit  the  captain,  even  so  close  as 
they  stood  together,  if  he  had  tried  his  best. 

"  What  do  you  want?  "  he  sullenly  muttered. 

"  I've  come  for  my  papers,  sir,"  was  the  reply. 

"  They  have  been  sent  to  St.  John,  and  I  cannot  give  them  to 
you,"  was  the  next  response. 

"  Then  give  me  something  to  show  that  you  took  them."  But  he 
would  not  give  him  any  writings  to  that  effect.  Quite  a  crowd  had 
now  gathered,  among  them  an  old  magistrate  and  a  policeman. 
The  latter  began  to  abuse  the  captain  by  insulting  language,  which 
he  bore  as  long  as  he  could,  and  then  gave  him  a  broadside  clip 
under  the  ear,  which  landed  him  ten  feet  off,  where  he  lay  quiet,  not 
caring  much  about  getting  up. 

"  If  there  are  any  more  of  ye  who  want  anything  of  me  come  right 
along,"  said  Pattillo  ;  "  I'm  not  to  be  abused  by  any  man  living." 

Nobody  wanted  anything ;  but  the  crowd  cheered  lustily,  and  he 
received  an  invite  to  go  to  the  Jersey  House  to  supper,  which  he 
promptly  accepted,  after  which  a  vessel  bound  to  Brunet,  took  their 
boat  in  tow  and  he  rejoined  his  vessel. 

In  the  mean  time  Gaj'den  had  got  a  cutter  under  way,  manned  with 
sixty-five  men ;  but  they  were  not  smart  enough  to  catch  Pattillo. 
He  was  too  wide-awake  for  them  altogether,  and  he  made  a  good  run 
for  Cape  Ann,  arriving  May  14th.  He  had  been  absent  so  long  that 
the  vessel  had  been  given  up  as  lost,  and  when  he  went  ashore  they 
thought  it  was  his  apparition.  But  no,  it  was  solid  flesh  and  blood ; 
and  for  many  a  day  he  was  kept  busy  relating  his  adventures. 

The  herring  met  with  a  ready  sale  at  $7.50  per  barrel,  and  were 
the  first  lot  ever  imported  from  Newfoundland  into  the  United 
States. 

On  the  19th  of  February,  1841,  Captain  Pattillo  sailed  for 
Georges  in  the  good  schooner  Alexander.  On  the  26th  anchored 
at  dark  in  thirty  fathoms  of  water,  twenty  miles  to  the  eastward 
of  North  Shoals.  At  midnight  broke  adrift,  with  the  wind  blow- 
ing a  gale  from  the  south-east.  Got  the  anchor  and  set  a 
double-reefed  foresail  and  balance-reefed  mainsail,  and  let  her  jog, 


fisherhen's  memorial  and  record  book.  163 

with  head  to  eastward.  Told  the  watch  to  call  him  if  the  wind 
hauled.  The  wind  shifted  into  the  north-east  with  a  tremendous  gale 
and  heavy  sea.  Tried  to  carry  sail  so  as  to  clear  the  north 
shoal,  but  could  not.  Was  soon  off  soundings  and  could  not  get 
bottom  with  a  hundred  fathoms.  All  through  the  forenoon  the  gale 
increased  fearfully,  the  wind  canting  a  little  more  to  the  northwartl. 
Had  the  lee  rail  under  water,  when  all  at  once  a  tremendous  sea 
raised  the  vessel  perpendicularly  in  the  air,  and  it  seemed  as  if  it 
would  throw  her  end  over  end.  He  was  standing  in  the  companion- 
way,  and  states  that  the  vessel  was  completely  enveloped  in  a  sheet 
of  water.  He  could  look  up  under  it,  the  same  as  one  can  gaze 
under  the  Falls  of  Niagara.  Such  a  sight  he  never  before  witnessed, 
nor  did  it  ever  occur  before  or  since,  to  his  knowledge,  on  Georges. 
Not  a  drop  of  water  had  touched  the  deck.  William  Blatchford,  one 
of  the  crew,  had  his  arm  in  the  pump  drawing  the  box,  and  never  got 
wet  a  particle. 

Soon  this  immense  volume  of  water  broke.  The  arch  separated, 
and  down  it  came,  striking  on  the  end  of  the  bowsprit,  breaking  off 
both  shrouds  as  clean  as  they  could  have  been  cut  with  a  knife,  sev- 
ering the  life-lines,  splitting  the  end  of  the  bowsprit  from  tlie  pall- 
bits  into  the  knight-heads,  seventeen  inches  through.  The  sea  went 
over  the  mast-heads,  carrying  away  the  main-topmast,  end  of  the 
main  boom,  broke  davits  and  boat,  yet  not  a  hogshead  of  water  came 
on  deck.  The  vessel  was  worked  into  port,  and,  after  being  repaired, 
continued  her  season's  work. 


164  fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book. 


^'Here  Comes  Father's  Vessel." 

"  Here  comes  father's  vessel !  "  How  the  picture  leaps  into  life 
as  we  look  at  it !  The  colors  grow  rich  and  deep.  We  can  see  the 
blue  sky  overhead  with  golden  clouds  like  fleets  of  bright  ships  sail- 
ing with  the  wind.  The  sea  widens  and  lies  flashing  and  heaving 
before  us ;  and  we  hear  the  sound  of  the  water  as  it  rolls  and  rolls 
away. 

"Father's  vessel's  coming!"  How  the  children's  faces  laugh! 
What  rejoicing  is  in  their  expression,  in  their  very  attitude !  You 
can  imagine  that  pretty  soon,  as  the  schooner  sweeps  nearer  and 
nearer  over  the  waves,  the  boy  in  the  old  fishing-boat  will  swing  his 
cap  and  shout ;  that  the  girl  will  clap  her  hands  and  dance,  and  wave 
her  apron  with  joy ;  while  the  lad  sitting  on  the  beach  will  lend 
his  voice  to  the  happy  chorus,  "  Here  comes  father's  vessel ! " 

There  is  a  back-ground  to  this  picture  which  we  cannot  see,  but 
we  can  imagine  it.    It  is  in  the  town,  now  the  city  of  Gloucester, 


fishermen's  memorial  and  record  book.  165 

with  streets  lying  quiet  iu  the  summer  sunshine.  The  leaves  on  the 
trees  rustle,  the  windows  of  the  houses  are  open,  and  green  vines  are 
planted,  and  gay  flowers  blossom.  Sometimes,  now  and  then,  a  face 
comes  to  the  window  or  the  door,  and  looks  out  seaward ;  while  a 
prayer  is  breathed  for  the  safety  of  "  father's  vessel." 

Perhaps,  in  one  of  the  houses,  there  is  a  woman  walking  up  and 
down  the  room  getting  dinner  ready,  and  a  baby  lies  sleeping  in  the 
cradle,  which  she  stirs  now  and  then  with  her  foot  as  she  passes. 
She  is  singing  a  fislierman's  ballad  ;  but  there  is  a  little  shadow  on 
her  face,  for  she  is  thinking  of  "  father's  vessel."  It  has  been  gone 
but  a  few  days,  perhaps,  on  Georges  Bank ;  or  it  has  been  several 
weeks  in  the  Bay,  and  there  has  been  a  violent  storm  ;  consequently 
the  loved  ones  at  home  are  waiting  anxiously  for  tidings  of  it.  And 
now  she  hears  a  joyful  ring  of  voices,  and  her  face  grows  radiant  as  the 
children  come  bursting  into  the  house,  bringing  the  glad  news,  "  Here 
comes  father's  vessel !  " 

In  the  great  journey  of  life  we  are  all  of  us  going  our  different 
ways,  doing  our  own  work,  of  which  others  perhaps  get  the  sweetness, 
while  we  only  have  the  pain  of  toil.  The  spinner  spins  his  bright 
threads  into  soft  cloths,  which  others  will  make  up  into  beautiful 
garments  ;  the  writer  plans  in  trouble  and  weariness  the  tender  story 
which  others  will  read  in  the  sunshine  of  happy  homes ;  and  the 
fisherman  braves  the  hardships  and  perils  of  a  trip  off  on  Georges, 
or  the  treacherous  Banks,  in  order  to  secure  a  choice  luxury  for 
another  man's  table.  We  all  of  us  go  our  own  way,  and  are  not  apt 
to  give  much  time  thinking  of  the  toil  and  trials  of  others. 

Yet  sometimes,  when  we  trifle  with  a  delicious  bit  of  fish  at  dinner, 
a  thought  comes  to  us  of  the  great  sea  out  of  which  it  was  caught. 
Perhaps  a  life  was  given  for  this  same  dainty  morsel  we  are  eating. 
Perchance  the  vessel  was  wrecked,  and,  drifting  with  torn  sails  and 
broken  spars,  had  a  terrible  hard  time  of  it.  It  is  not  a  pleasant 
picture.  We  like  better  to  think  of  the  schooner  slowly  rounding 
the  Point.  We  like  to  think  of  the  water  flashing  and  heaving  in  the 
sunlight ;  of  little  children  clapping  their  hands,  dancing  and  shout- 
ing ;  and  waiting  wives  and  mothers  thanking  God  with  happy  tears 
in  their  eyes,  as  the  joyful  cry  rings  out  over  the  beach,  "Here 
comes  father's  vessel ! " 


A.PFENDIX. 


It  was  the  intention  of  the  author  to  have  had  this  "  Memorial  and 
Record  Book"  published  on  the  20th  of  September,  and  it  would, 
undoubtedly,  have  made  its  appearance  promptly,  but  for  the  fire  of 
August  27th,  which  commenced  in  Bergengren's  Block,  and  extended 
its  ravages  to  the  "Old  Corner"  building,  destroying  all  the  t^'pe, 
injuring  the  presses,  and  completely  disarranging  the  business  of  the 
establishment.  The  sheets  of  the  book,  comprising  one  hundred  and 
twelve  pages,  together  with  the  advertising  department,  were  badly 
injured  by  fire  and  water.  Such  of  them  as  were  in  suitable  condi- 
tion were  saved,  and  the  balance  has  been  re-printed.  There  were 
also  twenty-four  pages  in  type,  which  were  to  have  been  put  to  press 
immediately.  These  were  lost,  manuscript  and  all.  The  labor  of 
re-writing  these  pages,  mostly  from  memory,  together  with  procuring 
electrotypes,  as  all  of  the  original  number  were  destroyed,  can  be 
understood  only  b}"^  those  who  have  had  a  similar  experience.  It  has 
been  pursued  indefatigably,  in  addition  to  other  extra  duties  which 
the  fire  brought  in  its  train,  and  it  is  with  extreme  gratification  that 
we  put  these  last  sheets  of  manuscript,  representing  the  conclusion 
of  the  Memorial  Book,  into  the  hands  of  the  printer,  feeling  that  the 
delay  has  been  no  fault  of  ours,  and  that  we  have  been  very  fortu- 
nate, indeed,  in  being  enabled  to  publish  the  book  so  quickly  after 
the  occurrence  of  such  disastrous  circumstances. 

Bj'  the  delay,  we  have  had  opportunity  of  adding  a  sad  chapter 
containing  the  terrible  disasters  caused  by  that  fearful  storm  of  Sun- 
day, August  24th,  in  the  Provincial  waters,  in  whicli  so  many  of  our 
fishermen  were  lost,  and  so  much  property  destroyed.  The  record 
is,  indeed,  a  fearful  one,  and  the  loss  of  life  terrible  to  contemplate. 
It  has  sent  a  gloom  over  this  community,  completely  changing  the 
prospects  of  the  Bay  fleet,  which  had  looked  so  bright  and  promising. 
Fire  and  flood  held  high  carnival  during  that  last  week  in  August, 
and  it  only  remains  for  our  people  to  look  forward,  and  not  back 
upon  the  past,  doing  all  within  their  power  to  retrieve  their  losses, 


APPENDIX.  167 

keeping  up  that  courage  which  hns  sustained  them  so  often  in  adver- 
sity, and  firmly  believing  that  the  tide  which  has  set  so  strongly 
against  them  will  soon  turn,  and  bear  them  on  to  a  greater  dcgrco  of 
prosperity  than  ever  before  experienced. 


THE    TERRIBLE    GALE    OF   SUNDAY,  AUGUST    24,   1873. 
ITS   FEARFUL  CONSEQUENCES! 

Like  a  clap  of  thunder  from  a  cloudless  sky  came  the  rumor  into 
town,  on  Tuesday,  August  26lh,  that  there  hud  been  a  terrible  gale 
to  the  eastward,  extending  all  along  the  Canadian  shores,  canning 
destruction  in  its  pathway  by  sea  and  land,  sweeping,  with  sad 
havoc,  among  the  fishing-fleet  in  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence  and 
around  Prince  Edward's  Island.  Gloucester  had  one  hundred  and 
thirty-eight  of  her  vessels  in  those  waters,  and  the  anxictj'  to  hear 
from  them  was  most  intense.  It  was  also  feared,  and  it  has  proved 
too  true,  that  the  gale  hud  extended  to  Georges  Banks,  where 
there  was  quite  a  fleet.  Tlie  news  came  slowl}',  and  the  reports  at 
first  were  somewhat  contradictory.  But  sufl3cient  was  received,  dur- 
ing the  next  day  and  evening,  to  convince  our  people  that  it  had 
proved  one  of  the  most  terribly  disastrous  storms  that  ever  occurred 
in  those  waters  ;  and  those  having  friends  there  began,  as  best  they 
could,  to  prepare  their  minds  for  intelligence  of  another  large  loss  of 
life.  It  was  painful  to  witness  the  anxiety  which  pervaded  this  com- 
munit}',  and  to  notice  the  attendance  at  the  Gloucester  Fishing 
Insurance  Company's  Reading  Room,  as  the  bulletins  were  displayed 
from  time  to  time.  The  newspapers  were  full  of  the  disasters  which 
the  storm  had  occasioned,  the  reading  of  which  was  most  appalling. 
Houses  were  blown  down,  trees  torn  up  from  their  roots,  and  tlie 
tidal  wave  which  accompanied  the  storm,  carried  the  wrecked  vessels 
far  above  high-water  mark,  and  left  them  stranded  on  the  shore. 
Wharves  were  destroyed,  and  desolation  and  ruin  followed  iu  the  track 
of  the  storm.  Day  by  day  the  sad  news  came,  and  there  is  mourn- 
ing throughout  the  town  as  we  pen  this  article.  Wives  are  weeping 
for  their  husbands,  who  will  never  again  bless  them  with  their  earthly 
presence ;  sisters  are  mourning  for  brothers,  and  little  children  ask, 
in  plaintive  voices,  "  Wliy  does  not  father  come  home?"  It  is, 
indeed,  terrible,  this  news  from  the  fishing-fleet ;  and  the  loss  of  life, 
before  which  all  other  losses  sink  into  utter  insignificance,  is  greater 
than  by  any  other  one  gale  since  the  fishing  business  commenced. 


168  APPENDIX. 

The  nearest  approximation  to  it  was  the  gale  of  Feb.  24th,  1862,  when, 
fifteen  vessels  were  lost  with  all  hands,  on  Georges,  numbering  one 
hundred  and  twenty  men.  In  this  gale  there  were  nine  vessels  lost, 
with  all  hands,  which,  together  with  those  swept  overboard  from 
other  vessels,  number  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  men.  Many  of 
these  were  among  the  very  best  skippers  and  smartest  fishermen  of 
the  port,  whose  loss  will  be  felt  for  a  long  time  by  the  entire  com- 
munity.    Here  is  the  record :  — 


VESSELS  LOST  JJV  THE  BAT,  WITH  ALL   THEIR   CREWS. 

Schooner  CHARLES  C.  DAME,  wrecked  off  North  Cape.  Had  a 
crew  of  eighteen  men,  as  follows :  William  V.  Beverage,  master ;  Wal- 
ter Hubbard,  Lewis  Thompson,  Charles  D.  Perkins,  George  Hinckley, 
James  Yoe,  Charles  Brown,  Charles  F.  Payne,  John  McDonald, 
George  W.  Flowers,  Stephen  Morrison,  Daniel  McEachren,  J.  S. 
Emmons,  Lemuel  Emmons,  R.  A.  Douglass,  John  Edgerly,  Oakley 
Dodge  and  Henry  Stebbins.  Owned  by  Daniel  Sayward.  Valued 
at  $7,000  ;  insured  for  §6,325. 

Schooner  ANGIE  S.  FRIEND,  probably  foundered  at  her  anchors, 
as  portions  of  the  wreck  were  washed  ashore  at  Port  Hood.  She  had  a 
crew  of  fourteen  men  when  she  left  port,  two  of  whom  left  the  vessel 
in  the  Bay  and  returned  home,  and  their  places  were  probably  sup- 
plied by  others  from  the  Provinces.  The  following  are  the  names 
of  the  crew:  Adolphus  Emery,  master;  Robert  Rowe,  George  Hun- 
son,  Joseph  A.  Hunson,  his  son,  Augustus  Cromwell,  James  Rien, 
Eugene  M.  Cromwell,  Jacob  H.  Emery,  Thomas  Wilson,  Charles 
Hustins,  Joseph  Small  and  James  Robinson.  Owned  by  Joseph 
Friend.     Valued  at  $4,700,  and  insured  for  $4,113. 

Schooner  JAMES  G.  TARR  had  a  crew  of  eighteen  men,  viz. : 
James  Cushing,  master ;  James  Hunson,  father-in-law  of  Capt.  Gush- 
ing, who  had  his  son  with  him ;  George  Gould,  brother-in-law  of 
Cushing  ;  Edward  Gould  and  Abraham  Gould,  brothers  of  George ; 
Daniel  Chisholm,  Stephen  Ryan,  married  Chisholm's  sister ;  Zimri 
Carter,  Robert  Carter,  John  Mclntire,  William  H.  Crittenden,  D.  J. 
McKennon,  Joseph  King,  Angus  McCormack,  William  Jackman,  R.  J. 
Hendricks  and  John  McPhee.  Owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.  and  the 
master.    Valued  at  $6,400  ;  insurance  on  vessel  and  outfits,  $6,100. 

Schooner  ROYAL  ARCH,  lost  at  White  Head,  N.  S.,  on  her  pas- 
sage home.    Her  crew  numbered  fourteen  men,  as  follows :  William 


APPENDIX.  169 

C.  Da}-,  master ;  Patrick  Glenn,  Nicholas  Joy  ami  his  two  sons,  Pat- 
rick Ruxton,  Charles  H.  Day,  Elias  Day,  his  son ;  Thomas  Younger, 
William  II.  Morey,  Everett  Tillson,  Joseph  Boker,  Daniel  McDonald 
ami  Alfred  Hill.  It  is  supposed  that  Mrs.  Dougal  Mclsaoc  and  four 
children  took  passage  in  this  schooner  for  Gloucester,  and  were  lost. 
Vessel  owned  by  D.  C.  and  11.  Babson.  Valued  at  $6,500  ;  insured 
for  $5,600. 

Schooner  SAMUEL  CROWELL  left  the  Bay  the  day  before  the 
gale  for  home,  and  probably  foundered  at  sea.  She  had  a  crew  of 
fifteen  men,  viz.,  James  W.  Hamilton,  master ;  George  Barrett,  John 
Jeffrey,  Jonathan  Taylor,  Samuel  Taylor,  son  of  Jonathan ;  Albert 
Barber,  Robert  Grant,  Alexander  McDonald,  Andy  Paul,  John 
Russell,  John  B.  Marshall,  David  Martin,  Charles  P.  Verrill,  George 
Melvin  and  William  Norris.  Owned  by  William  Parsons,  2d  &  Co. 
Valued  at  $6,000  ;  insured  for  $5,2.50. 

Schooner  EL  DORADO  was  probably  lost  ui)on  White  Head. 
She  had  a  crew  of  seven  men,  all  belonging  in  Kitter}',  Maine,  as 
follows :  Abraham  S.  Deering,  master ;  Edward  Deering,  his  son ; 
Furber  Fletcher,  Clarence  Fernald,  Josiah  Patch,  Augustus  Tobey, 
Jr.,  and  Erastus  Locke.  Owned  by  James  Mansfield  &  Son.  Valued 
at  $1,300 ;  insured  for  $1,187. 


LOST  ON  GEOROES. 

Schooner  CENTRE  POINT  was  probably  lost  in  the  gale  of 
August  24th,  as  she  was  last  seen  adrift  on  the  Bank  that  day.  Her 
crew  comprised  eleven  persons,  viz.,  James  Hastings,  master ;  had 
his  son  with  him ;  William  O'Brien,  James  Carsons,  Antone  Rose, 
Hugh  McEachren,  Peter  Peterson,  Thomas  Kecfe,  Frederic  Wilson, 
Charles  Erickson,  Edward  Burns  supposed  to  have  been  on  board. 
Owned  by  Dodd,  Tarr  &  Co.  Valued  at  $3,500 ;  and  insured  for 
$3,063. 

Schooner  A.  H.  WONSON  was  probably  lost  in  the  same  gale. 
She  had  a  crew  of  ten  men,  as  follows :  Harvey  Crowcll,  master ; 
John  Hanson,  Simon  Smith,  Archie  Rankin,  Edward  Spinney, 
Solomon  Ryder,  Peter  Anderson,  Thomas  Cook,  Thomas  Blake 
and  Charles  T.  Patterson.  Owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.  Valued  at 
$6,000  ;  and  insured  for  $5,250. 


170  APPENDIX. 


nr  TRE  BANK  FISHERY. 

Schooner  HENRY  CLAY  left  the  Grand  Banks  three  days  before 
the  gale,  and  was  lost  on  the  passage  home.  She  had  a  crew  of  ten 
men,  as  follows :  Neil  McFadden,  master ;  Daniel  McFadden  and 
Alexander  McFadden,  brothers  of  the  master ;  John  McFadden, 
William  Tucker,  Daniel  McKeever,  Matthew  Rice,  William  Dumphy, 
Angus  McPhee.  Owned  by  Solomon  Pool.  Valued  at  $4,200 ;  and 
insured  for  63,675. 


LIST  OF  STRANDED   VESSELS. 

The  number  of  vessels  stranded  in  Provincial  waters,  in  this  gale, 
was  thirty-two,  as  follows :  —  Addie  M.  Story,  Amos  Cutter,  Arizona, 
Annie  C.  Norwood,  Belle  Gilmore,  Charles  P.  Barrett,  C.  P.  Thomp- 
son, Catalina,  Chai'lotte  Augusta,  Clytie,  Constitution,  D.  H.  Mans- 
field, Evangeline,  Electric  Flash,  Enola  C,  E.  L.  Rowe,  Elihu  Bur- 
ritt,  Freedom,  Highflyer,  J.  J.  Clark,  Knight  Templar,  Lydia  A.  Har- 
vey, Morning  Star,  Marion  Grimes,  Oliver  Eldredge,  Typhoon,  Tally 
Ho,  Wm.  H.  Raymond,  Wm.  A.  Pew,  Mary  S.  Hurd,  Far  West  and 
Centurion. 

Five  of  the  above  have  proved  total  losses.  Twenty-four  have 
been  got  ofi",  leaving  three  ashore  at  the  present  writing,  which  it  is 
expected  will  be  saved. 

VESSELS  STRANDED  AND   CONDEMNED. 

Schooner  MARY  S.  HURD,  wrecked  at  Cape  Canso,  owned  by 
James  A.  Stetson ;  valued  at  $3,000,  insured  for  $2,700.  Crew 
saved. 

Schooner  FAR  WEST,  wrecked  at  Port  Mulgrave,  owned  by  Dodd, 
Tarr  &  Co.    Valued  at  $2,200,  insured  for  $1,400.    Crew  saved. 

Schooner  CENTURION,  wrecked  at  Ship  Harbor,  owned  by  Samuel 
Haskell,  Jr.    Valued  at  81,000,  insured  for  $825.     Crew  saved. 

Schooner  TYPHOON,  wrecked  at  Harbor  Le  Bar,  crew  saved. 
Owned  by  D.  C.  &  H.  Babson.  Valued,  with  outfit,  at  $3,700  ;  insured 
for  $3,000. 

Schooner  D.  H.  MANSFIELD,  wrecked  at  Magdalene  Islands; 
crew  saved.  Owned  by  George  W.  Plumer.  Valued,  with  outfit,  at 
$2,100;  insured  for  $1,888. 


APPEiroix.  171 

Schooner  WEST  POINT  was  lost  at  Magdalene  Islands,  Soptein- 
ber  20th ;  crew  saved.  Owned  by  Perkins  Brothers.  Valued,  with 
outfit,  at  $3,800 ;  insured  for  $3,800. 


£057  OVERBOARD, 

Charles  Rose  and  William  Wilson,  from  schooner  Fannie  R.,  In 
the  Bay. 

Aktonb  Lewis,  from  schooner  Helen  M.  Crosby,  on  passage 
to  the  Bay. 

Joseph  Christen,  from  schooner  Dictator,  on  Georges. 

Henbt  Johnson,  from  schooner  Sultana,  on  Grand  Bank. 

Frederic  Carman,  from  schooner  Abigail,  on  passage  from  the 
Bay. 

OTURB  LOSSES  SINCE  JULY. 

Schooner  WILLIAM  BAILIES,  ballast  lighter,  was  totally 
lost  at  Cape  Hedge,  near  Milk  Island,  on  the  6th  of  August.  Crew 
saved.  Valued  at  $800,  and  uninsured.  Owned  by  George  M.  Won- 
son  of  East  Gloucester. 

Frank  Anderson,  of  Schooner  Dictator,  was  lost  overboard  on 
Georges,  September  Ist. 

Brumley  Larkin,  of  Schooner  Fitz  J.  Babson,  was  washed  from 
the  jib-boom  and  drowned,  September  2d,  while  coming  from  the 
Banks. 

Edward  Day,  of  Schooner  Alfarata,  was  killed  in  the  Bay  of  St. 
Lawrence,  July  18th,  in  consequence  of  being  struck  on  the  head  by 
the  main  boom. 

TALUATIOy,  mSVEAJfCEj   ETC 

The  total  value  of  the  vessels  lost  in  this  gale  is  $62,500  ;  their  insur- 
ance $53,914,  which,  with  but  two  exceptions,  is  in  the  Gloucester 
Mutual  Fishing  Insurance  Office.  In  addition  to  the  insurance  on 
the  vessels  totally  lost,  there  will  be  quite  a  large  amount  to  pay  out 
on  partial  losses,  expense  of  getting  off  the  stranded  vessels,  etc. ; 
probably  not  less  than  $40,000. 

The  total  number  of  vessels  lost  the  present  year,  up  to  October 
Ist  (nine  months),  is  twenty-eight,  valued  at  $114,600.  Total  amount 
of  insurance,  $98,940.    Total  loss  of  life,  one  hundred  and  seventy-two^ 


172  APPENDIX. 

the  largest  number  ever  lost  in  one  season,  since  the  fishing  business 
has  been  prosecuted  from  this  port. 

SUM  TOTAL   OF  LOSSES  FOR   THE  PAST  FORTY-THREE    TEARS. 

Our  table  of  losses,  on  page  53,  included  the  number  of  men  and 
vessels  lost  from  1830  up  to  the  middle  of  July,  1873.  The  disasters 
and  loss  of  life  since,  as  given  in  the  foregoing  appendix,  show  a  loss 
of  one  hundred  and  tJiirty-one  men,  and  sixteen  vessels  ;  which,  added 
to  the  previous  list,  swells  the  total  loss  of  life,  for  the  past  forty- 
three  3'ears,  to  fourteen  hundred  and  thirty-seven,  and  the  total  num- 
ber of  vessels  to  two  hundred  and  ninety-six;  an  average  of  thirty- 
four  lives,  and  seven  vessels  yearly.  Total  value  of  vessels  lost, 
$1,208,000.     Total  amount  of  insurance,  $893,439. 

Note.  — On  page  109  mention  is  made  of  the  supposed  loss  of  Mrs.  Dougal  Mclsaac  and  four 
children  in  schooner  Royal  Arch.  After  the  first  edition  was  printed,  and  too  late  to  correct 
the  statement,  it  was  ascertained  that  they  were  not  on  board.  They  subsequently  arrived  home, 
at  Gloucester. 


CARTER'S 


Standard  Oil  Clothing 

BLACK    AND    YEImImOVU. 


Having  had  a  large  and  practical  exi)erience 
with  the  wants  of  the 

FISHERMEN  AND  SEAMEN, 

and  having  devoted  my  whole  time  exclusively 
for  years  to  the  mamifacture  and  improvement 
of 


I  claim  a  superiority  for  my  goods  over  all  other 
m.anufacturers,  and  offer  them  to  the  trade  as  the 

BUST  IN  THE   MABKETI 

For  the  protection  of  the  trade,  all  my  goods  are  sold 
direct  from  the  Manufactory^  and  all  orders  should  be  ad- 
dressed to 

J.  F.  CARTER, 

Manufacturer  and  Sole  Proprietor, 

Gloucester,  (Cape  Ann,)  Mass. 


MANUFACTURERS     OF 


S) 


Fo.  HI  OOMMEECIAL  STREET, 
BOSTON. 


Gloucester    Seiners ! ! 

SEINE  NETTINGS  and  SEINE  FITTINGS! 

In  consequence  of  our  rapidly  increasing  business,  we  hare  already  com- 
menced manufacturing  for  the  next  season.  Early  orders  will  insure  prompt 
attention. 

We  keep  in  our  stock  but  one  grade  of  MACKEREL  SEINE 
TWINE  NETTING,  and  that  the  rery  best  manufactured  in  the  coun- 
try, without  regard  to  cost. 

PURSE  MACKEREL  SEINES  fitted  complete,  ready  for  the 
water,  of  best  materials,  and  at  moderate  cost. 

H.  &  Gr.  ^W.  LORD, 

111  Commercial  Street,  Boston. 


Attention,  Fishermen 

%A^        MANUFACTURERS  OF  AND  DEALERS  IN         V^ 

Twines,  Netting,  Cordage, 


-AND- 


WOODBEREY  COTTON  DUCK, 

OF  EVERT  DESCmJPTION', 

Office,  Cor.  South  and  Pratt  Streets, 

BALTIMORE,    MD. 


lyroTiCB. 

"We  are  now  making  Netting  on  our  New  Machines,  which  is 
equal  in  all  respects  to  that  made  by  hand,  and  in  many  respects 
superior.  100  lbs.  of  twine  made  of  10  yam  knit  on  our  Machines 
will  make  as  much  Netting  in  length  and  depth  as  can  be  made  on  any 
other  machine  now  in  use,  and  about  5  per  cent,  more  than  can  be 
made  by  hand. 

Furse  Seiners. 

We  would  call  your  especial  attention  to  our  12  Thread  Twine 
made  of  16  Yarn;  also,  our  Mackerel  Netting  made  of  9,  12  and 
16  Thread  Twine  of  No.  20  Yarn. 


'iftr 


m 


OfJmi' 


General  Commission  Merchant 


FOS  THE  SALE  OF 


Veasels  Chartered. 
Freight  Secured. 


1 


mm 


f     Orders  for  Flour, 

y  Grain  and  Merchan- 

®  /  diie  carefully  filled. 


OFFIOB,   83  BRO^D"WA.ir, 

NEW   YORK. 


JOHN  H.  BOTNTON. 


A.  VT.  KOTVE  &  BRO. 

WHOLESALE 

Commission  Tish  Dealers, 

13  &  14  Delaware  Ave.,  (lisli  Market  Dock  St.  Wharf.) 


PHILADELPHIA. 


"wm:.  b3.  rotve 


I^ormerly    of  Grloucester,   IMass. 


A.  W.  KOWE  &  BRO.  would  call  attention  to  their  superior  facilities  for 
receiving  and  selling  FISH  of  all  kinds,  and  from  a  practical  knowledge  of  the 
business,  they  can  promise  consignors  that  their  interests  shall  be  faithfully 
attended  to.     Particular  attention  will  be  given  to  the  sale  of 

r"It025E2V     HEItllllVCi, 

and  consignments  are  solicited. 

Refer  to  Smith  &  Gott,  Gloucester;  M.  W.  Haskins  &  Bro.,  Boston. 


F*  X  St  zi  E3  fL  I  e:  s . 

WE    OFFER    FOR   1874, 

HADLEY SUPERIOR  PURSE  SEINES. 

Nets.  Seines,  Lines,  Twines,  &c.,  made  to  order. 

AMERICAN  NET  &  TWINE 

43  Commercial  Street,  BOSTON,  Mass. 


YACHT  AND  BOAT  BUILDERS, 


9 


Seine  Boats, 
Sail  Boats, 

Row  Boats, 
Yawls. 


r^'-/v^ 


■'i    ■*  -;^ 


Dinkies, 
Launches, 
Surf  Boats, 
Canoes. 


Manufactory  at  Head  of  the  Harbor. 

Po»t  Office  Addreaa,  Box  930,  GLOTJCESTBR,  Ma*a. 


m.  A 


im  4 


Shipyard  on  Pearce  Street, 
GLOUCESTER,  Mass. 
DAVIS    HOT7SE, 

Opposite  Sank  of  Oape  Ann, 
GLOUCESTER. 

03<r    THIE    ETJI^OIPEjf^iT    I^L^nST. 


MEALS  AT 


j\LL  HOURS. 


_    '  Rooms  to  Let  to  Gentlemen  by  the  Day  or  Week. 
8^*  Fish  Dinners  served  up  in  all  styles,  on  arrival  of  the  Boat. 

"WM.  P.  DAVIS,  Proprietor. 


THE 


(l[ap  %M  '^&u\tmt[^ 


A  handsomely  printed  sheet  of  Thirty-Two  Columns,  issued  every 
Friday  morning,  by 

PR^OCTER,  B[\OTHEF\S,  QLodcESTEi^,  |Vl^ss., 

EDITORS   slJ^rV    TttOTHIJETOJtS. 

Each  issue  has  all  the  local  news  of  Cape  Ann,  together  with  all 
the  Fishing  Items,  a  reliable  Fish  Market,  Good  Story,  and  choice 
Miscellaneous  Reading  Matter,  making  it  emphatically 

The  People's  Paper! 

THE  BEST  ADVERTI8Ilir&  MEDIUM  ON  THE  OAPE. 

Circulation,  3,500  Copies.     TERMS,  $2.50  per  year,   strictly 
in  advance.     Sent  to  any  part  of  the  country  on  receipt  of  price. 
Svbscri^e  for  it  if  you  wish  to  peruse  a  live  local  newspaper. 


Connected  ^yyiTH  the  Establish/vient 


IS   A  FIRST-CLASS 


JOB  PRINTING  OFFICE, 

Under  the  immediate  supervision  of  Mr.  Isaac  N.  Story,  where  all 
kinds  of  Printing,  from  the  largest  Poster  to  the  smallest  Label,  is 
executed  promptly  at  fair  prices. 

Particular  attention  given  to  Commercial  Printing,  such  as  Check 
and  Receipt  Books,  Letter  Headings,  Billheads,  Bills  of  Lading, 
Notes,  Drafts,  etc. 

PROCTER  BROTHERS,  Proprietors. 


Merchant  Tailor, 


AND 


NKXT  DOOR  TO 
PATTI1JA)'8. 


.  Dealer  in  READY-MADE  CLOTHIIf&, 

HATS,  CAPS,  AND  FURNISHING  GOODS, 

\ Gloucester.  Mass. 


THE  WONDER  OF  THE  AGE. 

THOUSANDS  CAN  TESTIFY  OF  ITS  VIETUES. 

FUhemien  will  find  this   Salve   invaluable  for   the   cure  of 
Sore  Hands.    It  works  like  magic,    TRY  IT. 

It  cures  Old  Sores,  Salt  Rheum,  Bruises,  Bums,  Cuts,  P^rysipelas,  Toniors, 
Scrofula,  Sore  Lips,  Weak  Eyes,  Chapped  Hands,  Piles,  Boils,  Kin(^ornu,  Itch, 
Frost  Bites,  Cancer,  Scald  Head,  Chilblains,  Pimples,  Poison,  etc. 

For  sale  by  A.  E.  PRICE,  Gloucester,  General  Agent;  GEO.  C.  GOOD- 
WIN &  CO.,  BosTOK,  Wholesale  Agents. 

DEALERS   EN 

Lnier,  Barrels,  Hoops,  Hay,  Straw,  Brick,  Line,  Cement, 

POTATOES,    BEANS,    &c, 
WHARF    ON    COMMERCIAL   STREET, 

NEAR  THE  FORT.  GLOUCESTER. 

Charts^  anaier's   Soales,    Spy   Qlasses, 

DIVIDERS,    PARALLEL    RULES, 

BLUNTS  COAST  PILOT,  BOWDITCH'S  NAVIGATORS, 

CONSTAXTLY  ON  IIANI)  AT  THE 

"OLr>     OOR-IVER,"     BOOriSTORE. 

PROCTER  BROTHERS,  121  Front  Street,  OlouceBter. 

On  George^s  in  a  Storm  t 

THIS  BEAUTIFUI,  PAIXTINO  has  been  photographed,  and  copies  may  now  be  obulncd 
at  the  store  of  PROCTER  BROS.  It  Is  a  fine  picture,  ohowin^  two  schooner*  riding  at  anchor, 
and  another  jogging  under  a  double-reefed  foresail.  Just  such  a  picture  as  every  fishing  owner 
and  fisherman  wants. 

Selling  for  $2.00  and  upwards,  .iccordlng  to  style  of  frame.  Without  frame,  75  cents.  Call 
and  see  this  picture.    Sent  by  mail  on  reception  of  75  cents. 

Send  75  cents  to  Pkocteb  Bkos.,  Gloucester,  Mass.,  and  receive  by  return  mail  one  of  the 
above  pictures. 


1846.     "Old    Cornei\,"     1873. 


PROCTER  BROTHERS, 

n\lt\\n%  tm\n%  %Mmn% 

BLANK  BOOK  M  PICTURE  FRAME  MANUFACTURERS,  • 

ALSO,   DEAI.ERS  IM 

ROOM  PAPER,  BORDERS, 

Window  Shades  and  JFixtureSf 

AND 

YANKEE  NOTIONS  GENERALLY. 


LARGEST  VARIETY  IN  ESSEX   COUNTY. 


CIBCULATINa  LIBBAET  OF  HECENT  PUBLICATIONS. 


i,®    M^m 


mu   m 


J,  P.  imif  f . 


am^f^ini? 


1 


GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 


BEN^J.  H.  SMITH, 

Attorney  &  Counsellor  at  Law^ 

Opposite  the  Post  Office.  GLOUCESTER. 

c^^^7cjs~stok7^% 
A.TJCTIO]NrE:E;R, 

Real  Estate  Agent,  Justice  of  the  Peace, 

NOTARY  PUBLIC  AND  CONVEYANCER, 

89  Front  St.,  Gloucester,  Mass., 

Or  First  National  Bank  Building,  opp.  Post  Office. 


GEORGE    A.    BLACK, 

Upholsterer  and  Picture    rrame   Maker, 


No.  177  Front  Street,  (up  stairs,)  Gloucester,  Mass. 

i>R.  CJEO.  o.  tuok:, 

DENTIST, 

Wetlierell's  Blocli,  neai*  tlie  Post  OlTlce, 

^^^S^^    Performs  all  opcrnttons  In   Surgical    and    Mechanical  DenliAtry,  In  the  best 

^^H|Bh^  manner  and  at  the  lowest  rates. 

^■^-'-^^J-^  Present    prices    of   Artificial    Teeth :— $15.00  per  set   for  temporary,   and 

$20.00  for  permanent.  Including  extracting  with  Laugiiing  Ga«  or  Ktlier. 

tig'  Dr.  H.  A.  Freeman  adviHcs  his  friends  and  former  patients  to  call  upon  Dr.  TtCK  when 
in  need  of  the  services  of  a  Dentist. 


STEPHEN   DODD    &   CO., 

Oommission  Merchants,  Wholesale  Dealers  and  Ourers  of 


Dry^  Pickled  and  Smoked  Fish. 


■  SEORdES  CODFISH,  SMOKED  HALIBOT,  LABRADOR  HERRIM. 

OFFICE    IN 

GLOUCESTER      NATIONAL      BANK     BUILDING, 

GLOUCESTER,   MASS. 

SAMUEL    ELWELL,    JR., 

MANUFACTUKER    OP 

Potent  Inside  Iron  Strapped  Blocks,  Oars,  &c., 

AND    DEALER    IN 

WOODEN    AND    IRON    SHIP    CHANDLERY. 

Steam  Factory,  comer  Rogers  and  Duncan  Streets,  (between  Custom  House 
and  Marine  Eailfrays,)  Gloucester. 

43-  Cariing  and  Gilding,  Repairing  Blocks  of  all  kinds  promptly  attended  to. 

^MISS  SAWYER'S  SALVE, 

IS    ACKNOWLEDGED    AS    THE    BEST    ARTICLE   IN  THE 
MARKET  FOR  THE  CURE  OF 

CUTS,  BURNS,  SORES, 

SCALDS,  HUMORS,  ETC. 

IF    EVERY    FAMILY    KNEW    ITS    VALUE   NONE  WOULD 
BE    WITHOUT    IT. 

Put  up  in  Boxes  at  50  Cents  each. 

PREPARED    BY 

And  put  up  by  I'-  M.  ROBBIiy^S, 

WHOLESALE  AND  RETAIL  DRUGGIST, 
ROCKLAND,     . MAINB, 

Sold   ESTT^erjrx^v^lxere. 


Eureka  Fish. 

Prepared  Expressly  for  Family  Use. 

rUTUPBV 

6EO.P.TRIf5C;&CO. 

aLOUCESTER,  MASS. 

This  Fiah  U  tho  c«KArEiiT  of  any  offc-rod  to  the  pvMie,  U 
•ok-cted  from  choice  now  Gcorsea  Cud.  •■"1  prepared  ready  for  OM, 
UiUH  avoiding  all  waate  and  truublu  In  cooking. 


Undertaker's  Wareroom, 

Cor.  Front  St.  and  Western  Ave. 

Glonoeater,    Maas. 

Coffins.  CaokeU.  Robes.  Habits.  Caps.  &c..  constantly  on  hnitd.  Children's  Robca  and 
Drosses  made  to  order.  I'ersoiial  attention  gU'en  to  attending  Funerals,  and  alito  to  la>ing-out 
and  preparing  the  dead  fur  burial. 

IVl.   J3.  a^OK:31ATV  Ac  oo., 

MANUFACTUKEU8  OF 

All  Sizes  of  FISHIN &  LINES  for  Sea  FisMng, 

FltOM  TUE  BEST  QUALITY  COTTON.   ' 

Jackman's  Superior  Sea   Island   COTTON   MACKEREL   LINES, 

LINEN  LINES.  QANQINQ3,  HA.USEB  LAJD  LINES,  &o. 

Line-Walk  &  Factory,  41  Marlboro  St.,  Newburyport,  Mass. 

A.  M.  BVRIfllAM,  Affftit  at  alour^'tler, 

Brufjgfist  and  i\.]iathccarif, 

For  the  past  eight  years  with  A.  E.  Price,  wmitil  renpectfully  announce  that 
he  hai*  t.ikeii  the  ftore. 

112   FRONT  STREET,  OPP.  PROCTER  BROS., 

Where  he  (iffcrx  for  sale  a  carefully  selected  aKsortnient  of 

Pure  Drugs,  Chemical  &  Phannaceutical  Preparations,  Fancy 
and  Toilet  Articles,  &c. 

PUVSICfAN'S  PKK.<(UimONS  »ill  ricive  Iho  in<.«t  r»rrfiil  p«T»nn«!  .ttrtition. 
and  all  iiu-<li(iin«  ili«|>iT.»..l  ran  tw  re!ii-d  iiimmi  n,  of  guaninti-oJ  puritj  tiid  rtirnglh. 
MJ.U1C1NE  CIlliSTs  carctiiUy  piipareU  or  rejilcuUhcd. 


AND    DEALERS    IN 


f  kHsa  fi?It, 


Vessels   Outfits,    Ship's   Stores,   etc.,   etc. 

P.O.Box,  592.  GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 

Fisk's  Compouiid  Elliptic  Seat  &  Bed  Spring. 

The  Easiest  Seat  and  Bed  Spring  ever  offered  to  the  Public. 

The  peculiar  constraction  of  the  Fisk  Spring,  combining  a  series  of  Elliptics  connected  by 
■wire  rods,  render  it  impossible  to  break  down  or  get  out  of  place,  and  being  fully  set  up  and 
adjuste.\  for  use,  it  can  be  upholstered  at  a  saving  of  about  one  quarter  of  the  labor  and  material 
required  for  the  ordinary  cushion,  and  forming  an  elegant  shaped  seat  or  bed  unsurpassed  for 
ease  and  durability. 

J8®"  Springs  for  Car  Seats,  Lounges  or  Beds  made  to  any  size,  and  also  to  different  degrees 
of  strength  and  elasticity. 

The  attention  of  the  trade  is  called  to  the  superiority  of  this  Spring  over  any  other  ever 
offered. 

NATHAN   RICHARDSON,     ^ 

Sole  Manufacturer,  * 

On  Washington  Street,  near  the  Railroad  Crossing,  GLOUCESTER,   MASS. 

SEND  FOR  A  CIRCULAR. 


8tesmqb€Qpi€   Fimws  qf 


COMPRISING 


All  the  OBJECTS  OF  INTEHEST  which  ahound 
in  this  CHARMIHG  RETREAT ! 

OLD  OCEANy  with  her  white-winged  fleet  sailing  across  its  pathless  track ; 

The   BEACHES, 

The   RUGGED   COAST, 
The   QUARRIES, 

LIGHT-HOUSES, 
CHASMS, 

and    PUBLIC*  BUILDINGS, 
forming  a  series  which  delight  all  who  have  seen  them, 

PROCTER  BROTHERS,  Publishers. 

r-#-»- 

Send  $2.50,  and  let  them  forward  you  a  Specimen  Dozen, 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  AT  LOS  ANGELES 
THE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 


UNIVERSITY  of  CALIFORNIA 

AT 

LOS  ANGELES 

LIBRARY 


3  1158  00868  0778 


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A    001338  009    2  t 


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